Game Day Hub: September 23 at Kelowna

September 23, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release

The Winterhawks look to bounce back from some early-season adversity in a cross-divisional clash with the Rockets.

Puck Drop: 7:05 p.m. PT

Venue: Prospera Place - Kelowna, B.C.

Uniforms: Black

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Upcoming Promotional Games:

Friday, October 6 - Home Opener - BUY TICKETS

Saturday, October 7 - Hawkey For All Night - BUY TICKETS

Friday, October 13 - Keep Portland Fear'd Night - BUY TICKETS

Sunday, October 15 - Hawktoberfest - BUY TICKETS

Reset and Go Again

Friday's season-opener started about as well as the Winterhawks could have hoped, with four goals and a two-tally lead through 20 minutes, but they couldn't hang on for the victory. Any frustrations from that loss will have to be short-lived, though, as Portland has an opportunity to regain some positive momentum with tonight's game in Kelowna.

The Rockets have yet to play a regular-season contest, meaning it's back-to-back opposing home openers for the Hawks this weekend. But if their start last night is any indication, Portland knows how to hit the ground running against an opponent looking to make an early statement on home ice.

Freshmen Focus

Despite last night's result, congratulations are in order for Cohen Massey, Kayd Ruedig and Luke Brunen, who each played their first WHL games! Massey and Ruedig skated on defense for the Hawks and were noticeable throughout the contest. Brunen came into the game early in the third period and promptly stopped all six shots that came his way - a strong debut for Portland's first selection in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft.

Congratulations to Cohen, Kayd and Luke!

Ryder's Return

After earning an invitation to the Arizona Coyotes' rookie camp earlier this month, 19-year-old defenseman Ryder Thompson is expected to rejoin the team today and could feature in tonight's lineup. Thompson's two-way talent and high hockey IQ would be welcome additions to Portland's blue line as the Hawks await more potential defensive reinforcements from pro camps in Marek Alscher, Luca Cagnoni and Carter Sotheran.

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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.

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