Game Day Hub: January 2 vs. Spokane
January 2, 2025 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
The Portland Winterhawks welcome the Spokane Chiefs on Thursday, January 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Portland, Ore.
Uniforms: Red
Listen Live: Winterhawks Radio Network and on the Winterhawks App
Watch Live: WHL Live on CHL TV
Follow the Winterhawks: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Upcoming Promotional Games:
Saturday, January 4 - Where's Waldo - BUY TICKETS
Friday, January 24 - Pride Night - BUY TICKETS
Saturday, February 1 - Hawks Fight Cancer - BUY TICKETS
Last Time Out
Last time out, the Winterhawks couldn't overcome an early deficit, falling 7-3 to the Everett Silvertips on Tuesday night. Kyle McDonough, Josh Zakreski, and Diego Buttazzoni provided the offense for Portland, with Buttazzoni's late-third-period goal cutting the deficit to two. Despite the push, Everett pulled away with a power-play marker and an empty-netter to close out the game.
Thirsty Thursday
It's Thirsty Thursday, and fans can enjoy FREE beer, cider, and wine tastings from some of Portland's best local breweries starting at 6:00 p.m. on the concourse. Sip and enjoy as the Winterhawks take on the Spokane Chiefs. Click here to see all the local breweries who will be in attendance tonight!
50/50 Raffle - BUY TICKETS
Sing Along Song: Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
Jugnauth's Offensive Jolt
Tyson Jugnauth is riding a huge point streak, totaling 20 assists in his last ten games played, including a staggering six-assist performance against the Vancouver Giants on Dec. 7. Jugnauth leads all WHL defenseman with 46 points, ranks second in the league in assists, while also leading the league in power-play helpers with 21. 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.
Scouting Spokane
The Spokane Chiefs come into tonight's game as the second-best team in the WHL with a 24-12-0-0 record, fresh off a dominant 4-0 road victory over the Tri-City Americans on New Year's Eve. Despite the absence of star center Berkly Catton, currently representing Team Canada at the World Juniors, the Chiefs remain a formidable opponent. Left-winger Shea Van Olm leads the way for Spokane, topping the WHL in goals with 27 points and sitting tenth in total points with 49 in 35 games.
Between the pipes, Dawson Cowan leads the WHL in wins (19) and shutouts (3). His .909 save percentage and 2.74 goals-against average rank fourth in the league, solidifying his status as one of the league's top goaltenders. Carter Esler has served as a capable backup with eight starts and a .500 record.
Spokane boasts one of the league's most effective special teams units. Their power play ranks second, converting at 29%, while their penalty kill sits fourth with an 82.4% success rate.
2024-25 Season Series
The Portland Winterhawks and Spokane Chiefs meet tonight for the fifth of six regular-season matchups, with the Hawks holding a 1-3 record in the series. Spokane claimed the first three contests at Spokane Veterans Memorial Coliseum, but the Winterhawks responded with a statement 6-4 victory in the Chiefs' first visit to the Glass Palace on Dec. 17. That win capped a four-game streak for Portland heading into the holiday break.
In the Dec. 17 triumph, Kyle Chyzowski and Alex Weiermair each tallied two goals, while Tyson Yaremko had a career-best four-point performance. The Winterhawks aim to build on that success and earn another win at home tonight.
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.
Kids' Corner presented by Seebee Construction
We invite all fans to visit our Winterhawks Kids Corner located in the southwest corner of the VMC concourse by entry FF. Play foosball, PlayStation 5 NHL25, or check out a book from our Little Library. A big thank you to our friends at SeaBee Construction for making the fun activities in the Kids Corner possible.
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Western Hockey League Stories from January 2, 2025
- Oil Kings Assistant Captain Finnie Commits to Niagra University - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Weekend Preview: Royals vs. Silvertips - January 3rd-4th, 2025 - Victoria Royals
- Winterhawks Release Braedan Jockims - Portland Winterhawks
- Americans acquire defenseman Dylan LeBret from Regina - Tri-City Americans
- Pats Deal Rights to Dyan LeBret to Americans for Two Draft Picks - Regina Pats
- Silvertips Close out 2024 with 7-3 Win in Portland - Everett Silvertips
- Raiden LeGall Named WHL Goalie of the Month for December - Everett Silvertips
- Landon DuPont Named WHL Rookie of the Month for December - Everett Silvertips
- Double DuPont: Exceptional Status Defenceman Named WHL Rookie of the Month for a Second Time - WHL
- Hitmen Acquire Goaltender Daniel Hauser - Calgary Hitmen
- Royals Acquire Brandon Lisowsky from Saskatoon Blades - Victoria Royals
- Wenatchee Wild Announce Trade with Calgary Hitmen - Wenatchee Wild
- Oil Kings Re-Assign Stroeder, Recall Smith and Snell - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Game Day Hub: January 2 vs. Spokane - Portland Winterhawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
