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Game Day Hub: April 17

April 16, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL) - Portland Winterhawks News Release


Seattle Thunderbirds at Portland Winterhawks

Finally hosting their rival from up north on home ice, the Winterhawks will look to recover and get back in the win column Saturday night.

Portland Record: 5-4-3-0 (Third, U.S. Division - Fourth, Western Conference)

Seattle Record: 7-5-0-0 (Second, U.S. Division - Third, Western Conference)

Puck Drop: 5:00 p.m. PT

Venue: Veterans Memorial Coliseum (Portland, OR)

Previous Meetings This Season:

Saturday, March 20: Portland (4) at Seattle (1)

Saturday, March 27: Portland (2) at Seattle (3)

Listen Live: Winterhawks Radio Network and on the Winterhawks App

Watch Live: WHL Live OR Portland's CW

Game Notes: Winterhawks Game Notes

How do we recover from Wednesday?

Stick to it.

The harsh reality is that Wednesday's game was likely a win if the penalty inside of the final 90 seconds doesn't happen. Fittingly enough, the segue to tonight's game is that the last time the Hawks met Seattle the team could've likely also walked away from that with a W too had it not been for a for a rough two minute stretch to end the second period. VP/GM/HC Mike Johnston said blatantly after Wednesday's overtime loss that he talked to his team about their maturity, hoping to see some growth and betterment in situations such as the above. The team had a REALLY good first, a decent second against Spokane, only leaving with a point to show for it. If they can sure up some details, they should be in a good position this evening.

At least we're finally getting healthy, right?

Definitely.

With Tyson Kozak having returned last week and Gabe Klassen returning Wednesday, things finally seem to be on the up and up in terms of health for the team. Both of those young men are integral pieces to the team's center depth, instigating a domino effect that allows Seth Jarvis to shift back to his natural position on the wing. When at full strength it's hard for any WHL team to keep up with the center depth that Portland brings to the table and as Kozak and Klassen get back to full strength and game form, hopefully we see that displayed.

A different Seattle team coming to town?

Yes.

NHL Draft eligible prospects Conner Roulette and Thomas Milic have joined Team Canada for the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championships in Frisco, TX. While undoubtedly a great honor for the two men, it leaves a decent gap at both forward and goaltender for them. However, 15-year-old forward Nico Myathovic entered the lineup for Seattle in Roulette's absence this week and netted not one but two goals in his debut. Not bad. Jackson Berry, who Portland faced in their last meeting on March 27, now slides up to the starters role in net for the Thunderbirds.

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