Game Day Hub: December 27 vs. Tri-City
December 27, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
The Portland Winterhawks take on the Tri-City Americans for their first game back from the holiday break on Friday, December 27 at 7:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Portland, Ore.
Uniforms: White
Listen Live: Winterhawks Radio Network and on the Winterhawks App
Watch Live: WHL Live on CHL TV
Game Notes: Winterhawks Game Notes
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Upcoming Promotional Games:
Tuesday, December 31 - Toyota New Year's Eve Party - BUY TICKETS
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FOLLOW ALONG
Last Time Out
The Portland Winterhawks wrapped up their pre-holiday schedule with a 6-4 victory over the Spokane Chiefs, extending their winning streak to four games. The match showcased standout performances from Kyle Chyzowski, who netted two goals to bring his season total to 25, placing him second in the league. Tyson Yaremko had a career night, recording one goal and three assists for his first four-point game in the WHL, while Diego Buttazzoni celebrated his milestone 50th career WHL goal. The Winterhawks outshot the Chiefs 45-30 and converted on two of four power-play opportunities. After a back-and-forth battle, Portland regained the lead in the third period and secured the win with an empty-net goal from Yaremko, solidifying their momentum as they headed into the holiday break.
Chick-fil-A Makes it a December to Remember
Starting Saturday, December 7, when the Hawks take on the Vancouver Giants, and running through Tuesday, December 31, as Portland battles the Everett Silvertips in the final game of the year, every fan in attendance has a chance to walk away with a tasty reward. If the Winterhawks score just one goal in any game this month, all fans at that game will receive a FREE Chick-fil-A coupon!
Family Night
Make the most of winter break by joining the Portland Winterhawks for a memorable Family Night, designed to deliver a fun-filled hockey experience for fans of all ages! This night is perfectly timed for families with children out of school, offering an exciting evening of hockey action and entertainment before classes resume. Enjoy the electrifying atmosphere of the game, engage in family-friendly activities, and create lasting memories together as you cheer on the Winterhawks!
50/50 Raffle - BUY TICKETS
Sing Along Song: Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus
Special Teams Continue Sparking Success
The Winterhawks' special teams have been a driving force behind their recent success. Portland ranks third in the WHL on the power play, converting at a stellar 28.4% clip, good for third in the league. The Hawks' penalty kill has also been incredibly effective, operating at 80.5%. This balanced performance gives the Hawks an advantage in key moments, providing offensive firepower and defensive stability. With special teams often deciding close games, Portland will look to continue their efficiency tonight.
Jugnauth's Offensive Jolt
Tyson Jugnauth is riding a huge point streak, totaling 16 assists in his last seven games played, including a staggering six-assist performance against the Vancouver Giants on Dec. 7. Jugnauth leads all WHL defenseman with 42 points, ranks second in the league in assists, while also leading the league in power-play helpers with 20. With his vision, playmaking ability, and offensive consistency, Jugnauth continues to be a key contributor for the Winterhawks and one of the top offensive defensemen in the league.
Captain Chyzowski Continues to Capitalize
Kyle Chyzowski is having an incredible season, solidifying himself as a leader both on and off the ice for the Winterhawks. With 48 points (25G, 23A) in 32 games, he leads the team in scoring and ranks sixth in the WHL. His 25 goals are second in the league, and his 132 shots on goal have him tied for third. Chyzowski has been especially hot recently, netting four two-goal performances in his last seven games. He's just two points shy of surpassing his 2023-24 season total. Beyond the stats, Chyzowski's leadership and consistency have been instrumental to the Hawks' success, making him a key contributor in every aspect of the game.
Assessing the Americans
The Tri-City Americans come into tonight's matchup with a solid 19-8-2-1 record, currently sitting third in the league despite a recent 5-1 loss to the Vancouver Giants on Dec. 15 and a two-game losing streak. Over their last 10 games, they have posted a record of 5-3-1-1. Leading the charge for the Americans are top performers Brandon Whynott and rookie Gavin Garland. Whynott has accumulated 37 points (16G, 21A) in 30 games, while Garland has made an impressive impact with 35 points (18G, 17A) in 29 games.
In net, Lukas Matecha has been the primary goaltender, starting 21 games and securing 15 wins, which ranks him third in the league for victories. He holds a .895 save percentage and a 3.47 goals-against average. On special teams, the Americans have struggled on the power play, sitting second to last in the league at 16.7%, but they boast a strong penalty kill, ranking fifth at 81.4%.
2024-25 Season Series
The Portland Winterhawks are set to face the Tri-City Americans for the second time this season, following a closely contested overtime loss in their first matchup on October 20, where Tri-City edged out a 4-3 victory at home. In that game, the Winterhawks fought back from a 3-0 deficit, with Ryan Miller scoring twice and Kyle Chyzowski adding a power-play goal to tie the game in the third period. However, the Americans clinched the win just 33 seconds into overtime. Tonight's game marks the second of six meetings between the two teams, and the Winterhawks are eager to secure their first win of the season series.
Sensory Room presented by DSP Connections
The Sensory Room will be located in the DWYER ROOM on the first floor of the coliseum and the Sensory Kits will be available for pickup at the Rose Quarter Guest Services Window near Entry CC on the VMC concourse. If you have any questions, you can contact the Winterhawks Offices at (503) 236-4295.
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Western Hockey League Stories from December 27, 2024
- Americans Downed by Winterhawks - Tri-City Americans
- Chiefs Tame the Wild with Hard-Nosed 2-1 Victory - Spokane Chiefs
- Americans Drop Third Straight With 5-3 Loss In Portland - Tri-City Americans
- Hurricanes Top Hitmen, 4-1 - Calgary Hitmen
- Cougars Begin Second Half with Shootout Victory Over Royals - Prince George Cougars
- Hawks Soar to 5-3 Win Over Tri-City, Secure Fifth Straight Victory - Portland Winterhawks
- Tough Third Period Leads to Loss in Saskatoon - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Offence Comes Alive in 7-3 Victory in Brandon - Regina Pats
- Late Game Heroics Sees Broncos Drop 2-1 Decision in Prince Albert - Swift Current Broncos
- Sloppy Effort Leads To Wheat Kings' Loss Against Regina - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Michael Cicek Commits To Michigan Tech University - Kelowna Rockets
- Preview: Chiefs Return to Action as They Host Wild Friday Night - Spokane Chiefs
- Silvertips Trade Alex Garrett to Wheat Kings for Draft Pick - Everett Silvertips
- T-Birds Acquire Hayden Pakkala - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Hurricanes Acquire Golden Knights Prospect Jordan Gustafson - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Broncos Open Post Holiday Break in Prince Albert - Swift Current Broncos
- Wheat Kings Call up 2 Players and Make Trade to Acquire Alex Garrett (G) from Everett Silvertips - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Oil Kings Return from Break to Visit Rebels - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Game Day Hub: December 27 vs. Tri-City - Portland Winterhawks
- Game Preview: Cougars at Royals - Prince George Cougars
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