Game Day Hub: January 4 vs. Wenatchee
January 4, 2025 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
The Portland Winterhawks take on the Wenatchee Wild in a U.S. Division battle on Saturday, January 4 at 6:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Coliseum for Where's Waldo night.
Puck Drop: 6:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Portland, Ore.
Uniforms: Black
Listen Live: Winterhawks Radio Network and on the Winterhawks App
Watch Live: WHL Live on CHL TV
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Upcoming Promotional Games:
Friday, January 24 - Pride Night - BUY TICKETS
Saturday, February 1 - Hawks Fight Cancer - BUY TICKETS
Saturday, February 8 - Hawkey For All - BUY TICKETS
FOLLOW ALONG
Last Time Out
The Winterhawks put up a valiant fight in their last outing, rallying from a three-goal deficit in the third period to force overtime against the Tri-City Americans. Diego Buttazzoni led the way with two power-play goals in the first period, while Kayd Ruedig added another to give Portland an early lead. After a tough second period that saw Tri-City surge ahead with four goals, Tyson Jugnauth sparked the comeback with a late tally. Ryan Miller and Ryder Thompson followed with quick goals in the third to tie the game at 6-6. Despite the Hawks' resilience, the Americans prevailed in the shootout for a 7-6 victory.
Where's Waldo Night
Fans are encouraged to dress as Waldo and join in on the fun as we attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most Waldos gathered in one place! We're aiming to gather 4,626 Waldos in the arena, so grab your gear, rally your friends, and be part of this historic night filled with hockey, fun, and a whole lot of stripes.
We're already at 5,000 fans in the building, which means we have everything we need to break the Guinness World Record for the most Waldos gathered in one place-except for YOU! All you have to do is dress the part: blue jeans, a red and white striped shirt, a beanie, and the signature glasses. Whether you're coming solo or bringing the whole squad, this is your chance to be part of history. Don't forget to snap photos and tag us as we stripe the arena in red and white. Let's make it a night to remember with hockey, fun, and a record-breaking sea of stripes. Grab your gear, rally your friends, and join us!
50/50 Raffle - BUY TICKETS
Sing Along Song: Mr. Brightside by The Killers
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 62 points (27G, 34A) in 37 games, he leads the entire Western League in scoring. His 27 goals are tied for first in the league, and his 158 shots on goal lead the league. Chyzowski has been especially hot recently, netting 11 goals in his last 12 games and recording seven straight multi-point games. He's tallied 11 more points than his 2023-24 total (50) in 28 less games. 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.
Watching Wenatchee
The Wenatchee Wild enter tonight's game holding the eighth spot in the Western Conference and fifth in the U.S. Division with a 13-18-3-0 record, trailing the Portland Winterhawks by 14 points. Despite their current position, the Wild have made significant roster adjustments to start the new year, adding forwards Tye Spencer from the Regina Pats and Maxim Muranov from the Calgary Hitmen while parting ways with goaltender Daniel Hauser and forward Kenta Isogai.
Evan Friesen has been a standout for the Wild, leading the team with 34 points (13G, 21A) in 33 games, averaging over a point per game. Left winger Miles Cooper follows closely, tallying 28 points (13G, 15A) in 35 games, including eight power-play points. Between the pipes, Brendan Gee has been impressive in limited action, boasting a 0.947 save percentage and a 1.59 goals-against average over three appearances. On special teams, Wenatchee's power play ranks 16th in the league, converting at 21.6%, but their penalty kill has been their greatest strength, leading the WHL with an 83.2% success rate.
2024-25 Season Series
The Portland Winterhawks and Wenatchee Wild face off tonight in the third of six regular-season matchups, with the Winterhawks holding a 2-0 series advantage so far this season. Portland looks to extend its success against Wenatchee and keep the momentum rolling. In their first meeting on Nov. 9 at Town Toyota Center, the Hawks delivered a commanding 6-3 victory. Captain Kyle Chyzowski led the charge with a four-point night (2G, 2A), including a shorthanded goal, to power his team to the win.
The teams met again on Nov. 23 at the Glass Palace, where Portland erupted for a five-goal third period to seal a thrilling 8-4 victory. Leading the way was Kyle McDonough, who notched two goals and two assists, marking the first four-point game of his WHL career and showcasing his offensive potential. With strong performances from key players in their previous matchups, the Winterhawks aim to continue their dominance against the Wild tonight on home ice.
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 4, 2025
- Wild Power Play Scores Thrice as Wenatchee Downs Portland Saturday, 6-3 - Wenatchee Wild
- Whitehead's Overtime Winner Lifts Pats to Victory in Red Deer - Regina Pats
- Mayes' Laser Knocks Out Kamloops, Chiefs Win 3-2 - Spokane Chiefs
- Oil Kings Earn Second Straight Win Over Hurricanes - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Rockets Shut Down By Giants On Home Ice - Kelowna Rockets
- Broncos Drop 5-2 Decision in Medicine Hat - Swift Current Broncos
- Tigers Buck Broncos - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Hawks Drop 6-3 Contest to Wild - Portland Winterhawks
- Third Period Comeback Falls Short Against Saskatoon - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Hadland the Star as Wheat Kings Win Playoff-Style Contest with Raiders - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Hitmen Acquire Carson Birnie from Red Deer - Calgary Hitmen
- Rebels Complete Trade with Hitmen - Red Deer Rebels
- Game Preview: Cougars vs. Thunderbirds - Prince George Cougars
- Hitmen Acquire Vancouver Canucks Prospect Sawyer Mynio from Thunderbirds - Calgary Hitmen
- T-Birds Acquire Mayes and Burrett - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Game Preview: Game 39 vs Swift Current Broncos - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Chiefs Host Blazers in First Home Game of 2025 - Spokane Chiefs
- Tigers Drop First of Home and Home with Swift - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Oil Kings and Hurricanes Three-In-Three Shifts to Edmonton - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Broncos Look to Sweep Weekend Series with Tigers - Swift Current Broncos
- Game Day Hub: January 4 vs. Wenatchee - Portland Winterhawks
- Cougars Fall to Thunderbirds to Snap Five Game Win Streak - Prince George Cougars
- Hood Records 1st WHL Shutout as G-Men Blank Wild - Vancouver Giants
- Vancouver Strikes to Break Third-Period Deadlock Friday in 3-0 Wenatchee Defeat - Wenatchee Wild
- T-Birds Claw Past Prince George - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Americans Edge Winterhawks in Shootout - Tri-City Americans
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.
