Game Day Hub: February 20 at Seattle
Published on February 20, 2026 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
The Portland Winterhawks hit I-5 for a quick rivalry matchup with the Seattle Thunderbirds in Kent, Washington tonight, with puck drop set for 7:05 p.m. at the accesso ShoWare Center.
Puck Drop: 7:05 p.m. PST
Venue: accesso ShoWare Center - Kent, WA
Uniforms: White
Listen Live: Winterhawks Radio Network and on the Winterhawks App - Be sure to download the latest version of the app
Watch Live: Victory+
Game Notes: Winterhawks Game Notes
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Upcoming Promotional Games:
Sunday, February 22 - Chinese Lunar New Year - BUY TICKETS
Saturday, March 7 - 50 Years of Hawkey: Unveiling 10-1 - BUY TICKETS
Sunday, March 8 - Women of Hawkey - BUY TICKETS
FOLLOW ALONG
Last Time Out
The energy inside Veterans Memorial Coliseum was electric for Hawks Fight Cancer Night as Portland jumped out to a quick lead. Just 90 seconds in, Jordan Duguay buried his 19th of the season after Alex Weiermair drew a high stick and slid the puck into the slot.
The Hawks kept rolling. Nathan Free spun in front and found Max Pšenička stepping in from the blue line for his sixth of the year, and moments later Free added his 12th power-play goal to make it 3-0.
Spokane responded with three goals in a 50-second span to tie it 3-3 after one. The Chiefs grabbed a 4-3 lead in the second on their lone goal of the period despite firing 21 shots on Ondrej Štěbeták.
Spokane extended the lead early in the third, but Portland pushed back. After a five-minute major, Nathan Brown finished a rush from Ryan Miller on the power play to pull within one with 8:12 left.
The Hawks pressed late but couldn't find the equalizer, as Spokane held on for a 5-4 win.
Scouting Seattle
The Portland Winterhawks and Seattle Thunderbirds meet tonight for the fifth time this season, with Portland holding a 3-1 edge in the series.
On February 6, the Hawks erupted for seven goals in a 7-3 road win in Seattle, fueled by a dominant second period. The following night at the Glass Palace, Alex Weiermair netted the overtime winner to secure a 3-2 victory and complete the back-to-back sweep.
Seattle enters the weekend at 22-23-4-3, battling for crucial points down the stretch. Sitting 10th in the Western Conference, the Thunderbirds trail the eighth and final playoff spot by just three points.
Cameron Schmidt leads the charge offensively with 81 points (38G, 43A), ranking second in the WHL in scoring while his 38 goals pace the league.
Rivalry Runs Deep
This weekend, the Portland-Seattle rivalry heats up as the two teams meet in a Friday/Sunday series, each getting the chance to feed off the energy of its own crowd while battling for valuable playoff points. Fans can expect a tight battle with every moment counting as both sides look to gain ground in the postseason race. The Winterhawks and Thunderbirds are no strangers to one another, having faced off 49 times all-time, with Portland holding the edge by winning 30 of those matchups.
Grains of Wrath Watch Party
As we commemorate our 50th Anniversary, we're excited to host viewing parties at Grains of Wrath Brewery and Restaurant (230 NE 5th Avenue, Camas, WA) for another season! Come out, enjoy great food and drinks, and catch all the action while joining in on the "T.N.T." chant with fellow fans.
Don't miss the next event tonight at 7:00 p.m. and be sure to arrive early as seating will fill up fast!
Hawks on the World Stage
The Winterhawks are proud to lead the Canadian Hockey League with seven former players competing for gold in men's ice hockey at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games (Feb. 11-22).
Nino Niederreiter (SUI), Oliver Bjorkstrand (DEN), Rihard Bukarts (LAT), Henri Jokiharju (FIN), Joachim Blichfeld (DEN), Seth Jarvis (CAN), and Simon Knak (SUI) all began their careers in Portland between 2009 and 2021, and will represent their countries, with five set to make their Olympic debuts.
Portland outpaces every club in the CHL; Kitchener and Sudbury (both in the Ontario Hockey League) follow with six alumni heading to Italy, while Halifax (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) sent five.
In the WHL specifically, the Winterhawks stand alone. Portland has three more Olympic alumni than any other team. The Medicine Hat Tigers are second with four, and four other teams are tied for third with three. In total, 32 WHL alumni will compete in the Winter Games.
Tune in on Victory+
Fans can stream the Portland Winterhawks' entire 2025-26 WHL regular-season on Victory+ for FREE. Visit the Winterhawks hub.
Victory+ has replaced WHL Live on CHL TV, so make sure to visit victoryplus.com/download before the game on your phone, tablet, or smart TV.
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Western Hockey League Stories from February 20, 2026
- T-Birds Go Extra to Beat Portland - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Chiefs Punctuate Win with Three Late Goals, Knock off Giants, 6-1 - Spokane Chiefs
- Hawks Drop Overtime Decision in Weekend Opener - Portland Winterhawks
- Cougars Roll Past Swift Current with 6-2 Victory - Prince George Cougars
- Tigers Shut Out Hurricanes, 3-0 - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Broncos Fall to Prince George in Lone Meeting of the Season - Swift Current Broncos
- Oil Kings Fall to Pats in Regina - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Pats Ride Balanced Scoring, Tabashniuk's 34 Saves to 5-2 Win over Oil Kings - Regina Pats
- Warriors Silenced by Raiders - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Ruzicka, 20-Year-Olds Lead Wheat Kings to Shutout Win over Vees - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Local Firefighters Collect Donations at Victoria Royals Game in Support of Tumbler Ridge Families - Victoria Royals
- Spokane Chiefs Announce Friday's Game vs Vancouver Officially Sold Out - Spokane Chiefs
- Game Preview: Vees at Wheat Kings - Penticton Vees
- Game Preview: Game 55 at Hurricanes - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Chiefs Host Giants Friday for Second School Night of the Season - Spokane Chiefs
- Game Day Hub: February 20 at Seattle - Portland Winterhawks
- Warriors Set for Tough Rematch against Conference Leaders - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Oil Kings and Pats Wrap up Season Series in Regina - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Game Preview: Cougars at Broncos - Prince George Cougars
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