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WHL Portland Winterhawks

Game Day Hub: December 17 at Spokane

December 17, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Riding the wave of a strong homestand, the Winterhawks head into Spokane looking for a fifth straight victory in the first leg of a back-to-back against the Chiefs.

Puck Drop: 7:05 p.m. PT

Venue: Spokane Arena - Spokane, WA

Uniforms: Away/White

Previous Meetings This Season: Portland is 3-0-0-0 Against the Chiefs

Spokane 3 @ Portland 7 (Dec 11 2021)

Spokane 1 @ Portland 4 (Dec 10 2021)

Spokane 0 @ Portland 3 (Oct 10 2021)

Listen Live: Winterhawks Radio Network and on the Winterhawks App. Fans can listen live in the arena on 87.9 FM.

Watch Live: WHL Live on CHL TV

Game Notes: Winterhawks Game Notes

Upcoming Promotional Games:

Friday, Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve

On the Road Again

After 11 straight games in the comforts of the VMC, the Hawks head north for the first time in over a month for a two-game set against the Chiefs this weekend. Portland is rolling with four consecutive wins and points in six straight after a 7-1-3-0 run during that stretch at home, but now takes on the task of improving its 3-5-0-1 road record.

As the Hawks look to get that away mark back to .500 this weekend, they can lean on the success they have found in the last month. The team has worked hard to erase the earlier struggles that plagued it during its bumpy start to the year, and can now put that new confidence and focus to the test with a pair of games in a new environment.

Staying Focused

Ahead of the holiday break, it's imperative to maintain the good momentum the Winterhawks have built up over the last few weeks, especially against a team they have outscored 14-4 head-to-head en route to a 3-0-0 record. Following Portland's thrilling win over Everett on Tuesday, Head Coach Mike Johnston spoke about the importance of maintaining good habits this weekend and knows this is an opportunity to get another look at what his team is truly made of.

"I want to keep (the players') focus as we head into Christmas. My experience is that players lose their focus a little bit, and I want to make sure we keep that with a strong practice (Wednesday). We're playing on away ice, and we haven't done that in a while, so it's going to be different for us, but I welcome that. I welcome any adversity we can have at this time of the year. I welcome being tested, because we need to be tested," he said.

Dante's Inferno

Portland has seemingly won in every possible fashion in the last four games. Dominant play? 7-1 and 7-3 wins over Everett and Spokane check that box. Staying cool under pressure? That 7-3 victory came on Teddy Bear Toss night, when the pressure to score is higher than ever. Comeback win through adversity? How about Tuesday's effort against Everett, erasing a 3-1 hole late in the third, then recovering from a disallowed goal in overtime to pot the winner in scintillating fashion.

But through all the different avenues the Hawks have taken to win those games, the common refrain in each one has been the netminder, Dante Giannuzzi. En route to his longest personal winning streak of the year, the 2002-born goaltender has come up with timely saves in each contest, particularly in the third period. After some defensive miscues saw the Silvertips net three goals in rapid succession late in the second period on Tuesday, Giannuzzi was never rattled. He played steady, reliable hockey in the final frame and gave his team the chance to come back in the contest, then pulled out all the stops for a highlight-reel save on a 2-on-1 in overtime, just minutes before Gabe Klassen netted the winner.

As Portland looks to cap off the first half of the year on a high note, look for #31 to keep up his strong play between the pipes.

WIN A TOYOTA:

Back for another season, fans 18+ who reside in Oregon or Southwest Washington can ENTER TO WIN a brand new Toyota car, truck, or SUV.

Each game this season, one lucky fan will have their entry drawn and they will have a chance to win our grand prize if they get all five game predictions correct.

Tonight, we are cheering on: Wade Z. from Tualatin, OR

What our Hawks fan could win: A brand new 2021 Rav4

What needs to happen?

Portland Winterhawks (3) beat the Spokane Chiefs (2)

Cross Hanas scores the first Winterhawks goal.

Portland goaltenders make 27 total saves.

Spokane goaltenders make 32 total saves.

Good luck tonight, Wade!

Check out the Portland Winterhawks Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from December 17, 2021


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