WHL Portland Winterhawks

Fromm-Delorme, Litke Star in Hawks' 7-2 Romp

Published on December 31, 2022 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Portland, Ore. - Two-goal showings from Robbie Fromm-Delorme and Aidan Litke, plus an explosive five-goal first period, propelled the Winterhawks (26-4-2-1) past the Everett Silvertips (16-17-1-0) by a 7-2 final on New Year's Eve and pick up a second win in as many nights over their division rival.

With the win, Portland has won eight consecutive contests and has points in ten straight (9-0-1-0). Dante Giannuzzi also stopped 34 of 36 shots to pick up his fifth consecutive victory.

The Hawks' onslaught began early as Marcus Nguyen deftly juked past an Everett defender at the top of the right circle, then fired a pass that deflected off another Tips player and into the net for his 11th of the year. Just over a minute later, Fromm-Delorme grabbed his first of the evening by hammering home a power-play rebound, then potted his second at 16:01 in the same fashion. Wrapping up a rampant first frame, the Hawks tallied two in the final three minutes with Litke's first goal - a top-shelf wrist shot from the slot after Fromm-Delorme forced a turnover behind the net - and, for the second straight evening, a Nick Johnson strike set up by Diego Buttazzoni.

Portland's potent power play struck again just 38 seconds into the third as Gabe Klassen potted his team-leading 20th of the year, ripping home a seam pass from James Stefan. Everett soon responded with two goals from Ryan Hofer and Niko Tsakumis to break the shutout, but Portland's damage was done, and the Hawks finished the job with another Litke goal in the third. After the faceoff was won to Alex Thompson, Portland's 16-year-old blueliner teed up Litke for a bomb from the blue line and sealed the 7-2 win for the Hawks.

The Winterhawks now head east to take on teams from the East Division for the first time in over two seasons. Portland is next in action on Friday, Jan. 6 against the Brandon Wheat Kings.

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Western Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2022


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