Game Day Hub: January 8 at Winnipeg
Published on January 8, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
The road trip rolls on as the Hawks visit Manitoba's capital for a date with the ICE.
Puck Drop: 3:05 p.m. PT
Venue: Wayne Fleming Arena
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
Fam-itoba
We're 1,300+ miles from Portland but still feeling the love in the prairies! Between the Portland Winterhawks Booster Club and families of Manitoban players, the Hawks had plenty of support in Brandon and are set to see the same tonight in Winnipeg. THANK YOU to everyone who traveled to cheer on the team during this trip, and to the families for showing their support in all kinds of ways - including giant cardboard cutouts of players' faces!
Bouncing Back
The Winterhawks didn't start the road trip the way they wanted, dropping a 3-2 decision in Brandon on Friday. But with the first game of the eastern swing out of the way, the Hawks can settle in and focus on playing their brand of hockey this afternoon in Winnipeg.
"(Winnipeg's) a top team, they're gonna want to prove themselves against us and we're a top team too, so it's gonna be a really good battle. I think we got a little bit of a chip on our shoulder from this game and now we've just got to go (to Winnipeg) and play our game," said Jack O'Brien.
Heavyweights
To be the best, you've got to beat the best, and the Winterhawks face another stiff test as they take on last year's Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy winners in Manitoba's capital.
The ICE boast impressive high-end talent and depth, led by top 2023 NHL Draft prospect Zach Benson - cousin of Portland's own Diego Buttazzoni - with 50 points in 32 games thus far. Three previous first-round NHL Draft picks in Matthew Savoie, Conor Geekie and Carson Lambos also highlight the Winnipeg roster, and trade acquisitions like Mason Beaupit, Graham Sward and Carson Latimer have bolstered the team's depth this season.
Portland may not feature the same first-round NHL Draft pedigree, but still sits just one point shy of the ICE in the league standings - a testament to the Winterhawks' own depth and team performance throughout this campaign. Look for a balanced, structured game plan from Mike Johnston's club this evening.
Western Hockey League Stories from January 8, 2023
- Early Deficit Sinks Hawks' Late Comeback Effort - Portland Winterhawks
- ICE Doubles-Up on Portland - Winnipeg Ice
- Silvertips Send Zellweger, Hofer to Kamloops for Four Players, Ten Picks - Everett Silvertips
- Kamloops Blazers Acquire Olen Zellweger and Ryan Hofer from Everett Silvertips - Kamloops Blazers
- Everett Sends Zellweger, Hofer to Kamloops for Four Players, 10 WHL Draft Picks - Everett Silvertips
- ICE Acquire Ostapchuk - Winnipeg Ice
- Giants Acquire Three First-Round Picks, 2 Forwards, 2 Prospects, and a Fifth-Round Pick from Winnipeg for Zack Ostapchuk - Vancouver Giants
- Bedard's Return Keys Pats over Hitmen - Calgary Hitmen
- Bedard's Career-High Six Points Leads Pats to 6-2 Win - Regina Pats
- Game Day Hub: January 8 at Winnipeg - Portland Winterhawks
- Regina Hosts Calgary in Bedard's Return to Brandt Centre - Regina Pats
- Game #34 - ICE vs Portland Winterhawks, 5:00 at the ICE Cave Inside Wayne Fleming Arena - Winnipeg Ice
- Heidt and Young Propel Cougars to First Win of 2023 - Prince George Cougars
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.
