Game Day Hub: January 14 at Regina
January 14, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
A generational talent awaits as the Winterhawks face off against Connor Bedard and the Regina Pats.
Puck Drop: 5:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Brandt Centre
Uniforms: Black
Listen Live: Winterhawks Radio Network and on the Winterhawks App
Watch Live: WHL Live on CHL TV
Upcoming Promotional Games:
Friday, January 20 - Where's Waldo Night - BUY TICKETS
Saturday, January 21 - Sippin' Saturday - BUY TICKETS
Monday, January 23 - Kids' Game - BUY TICKETS
Friday, January 27 - Pride Night - BUY TICKETS
Happy Anniversary
Portland and Regina are hitting the ice together for the first time in three years - to the day! Their last meeting came Jan. 14, 2020 in Portland, a 9-4 Winterhawks victory. Current skaters Gabe Klassen (1G, 2A), Robbie Fromm-Delorme (1G) and James Stefan (1G) each found the scoresheet in that contest.
Of course, this Regina team has something that one didn't - a superstar talent who will certainly be lighting up the NHL next season. Let's meet Connor Bedard...
Beating Bedard
If you're a hockey fan, you know the name Connor Bedard. The North Vancouver, B.C. native has electrified the WHL in his three seasons, notching 203 points in 107 games. Most recently, he came off of a gold medal-winning performance with Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship - during which he posted 23 points in seven games - to record back-to-back hat-tricks and 11 points in two games with the Pats. We could go on, but you get the point - he's very good at this and will be selected first overall at the 2023 NHL Draft.
More interesting is what the Winterhawks can do to slow him down tonight. There's no magic formula to contain a player like this, but at the same time, knowing that his linemates will always look to get him the puck can be a benefit for Portland. Being quick to shut down those passing lanes, keeping a body close to Bedard throughout the game and maintaining active sticks throughout the ice can disrupt Regina's flow and restrict Bedard's ability to create. But it's a balance - too aggressive, and he'll slip past you. Too timid, and he'll take the time to find the perfect shot or pass.
It's a stiff test for the Winterhawks' defense, but the team has already faced plenty of NHL-drafted and 2023-eligible talent on this road trip. With two NHL-drafted skaters and two more top 2023 prospects on their own blue line, they have the collective talent to once again step up to the task.
Ryder's 100th
Defenseman Ryder Thompson is expected to skate in his 100th WHL game tonight!
Through 99 career contests, the Russell, Man. native has three goals and 27 assists, with two tallies and 11 helpers this season alone. Skating in his third season with the Winterhawks, Thompson played in his native Manitoba for the first time in the WHL last week and chipped in an assist in front of friends and family in Winnipeg.
Congrats on 100 games, Ryder!
Western Hockey League Stories from January 14, 2023
- Austin Roest Plays OT Hero as Tips Down Americans in Front of Packed House - Everett Silvertips
- Michaluk Posts 48 Saves, Chiefs Fall Short to Kamloops 5-2 - Spokane Chiefs
- Royals Secure Weekend Sweep With 6-3 Victory Over Rockets - Victoria Royals
- Blades Beat Top WHL's Top Team - Saskatoon Blades
- Tigers Drop Second Half of Manitoba Road Trip to ICE - Medicine Hat Tigers
- ICE Top Medicine Hat, 8-3 - Winnipeg Ice
- Broncos Withstand Late Push In Win Over Cougars - Swift Current Broncos
- Warriors Finish Weekend on a High Note in Brandon - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Hawks Dealt Heartbreaker in Regina - Portland Winterhawks
- Rockets Lose, 6-3 - Kelowna Rockets
- Oil Kings Edged in Overtime by Prince Albert - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Goldsmith Nets Overtime Winner to Lift Raiders Past Oil Kings 4-3 - Prince Albert Raiders
- Hawks Drop Heartbreaker in Regina - Portland Winterhawks
- Warriors Harvest Wheat Kings Saturday - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Pats Down Winterhawks 4-3 on Saturday - Regina Pats
- Americans Take on Silvertips in Everett - Tri-City Americans
- Game Day Hub: January 14 at Regina - Portland Winterhawks
- Game Day Preview January 14 at Winnipeg - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Pats End Homestand against Winterhawks - Regina Pats
- ICE vs Medicine Hat Tigers, 8:00 at the ICE Cave Inside Wayne Fleming Arena - Winnipeg Ice
- Chiefs Bounce Back With Strong 4-2 Win Over Vancouver Friday Night - Spokane Chiefs
- Holt Shines as Royals Blank Rockets 4-0 - Victoria Royals
- Rockets Blanked By Royals - Kelowna Rockets
- Giants Fall 4-2 at Home Friday - Vancouver Giants
- Newest Edition Leads T-Birds to Win - Seattle Thunderbirds
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