Hawks Drop Tight Contest to Wheat Kings in Overtime
Published on January 24, 2026 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
Nathan Free recorded his 20th goal of the season and Luke Wilfley buried a penalty shot, but Brandon pulled out an overtime win over the Winterhawks.
Game #47: Portland (2) vs. Brandon (3) OT
SOG: POR (33) - BDN (27)
PP: POR (0/3) - BDN (0/1)
Saves: Štěbeták (24) - Ruzicka (31)
COMPLETE BOX SCORE
SCORING:
POR - Nathan Free (20) from Carsyn Dyck and Kyle McDonough
POR - Luke Wilfley (4) (penalty shot)
BDN - Joby Baumuller (32) from Nicholas Johnson
BDN - Luke Mistelbacher (25) from Jaxon Jacobson and Max Lavoie
BDN - Luke Mistelbacher (26) from Jaxon Jacobson
GAME SUMMARY:
Portland opened the scoring just 90 seconds into Saturday night's matchup when Carsyn Dyck won a battle along the boards and fed Nathan Free, who quickly snapped a wrist shot past the glove of the Wheat Kings' goaltender for an early lead.
Three minutes into the second period, Luke Wilfley drew a penalty while driving to the net and was awarded a penalty shot. The Englewood, Colorado native decided on a cheeky five-hole move to convert and give the Winterhawks a two-goal advantage. Brandon responded with a pair of goals to tie the game at two heading into the second intermission.
After both teams traded chances in a scoreless third period, overtime was needed to decide a winner. Luke Mistelbacher scored his second goal of the night and 26th of the season, lifting the Wheat Kings to a 3-2 overtime victory in Portland.
UP NEXT:
The Portland Winterhawks return to the Glass Palace on Friday, January 30, to host their second annual Pacific Islander Celebration Night, with puck drop set for 7:00 p.m.
Reminder, you can watch all Portland Winterhawks games on Victory+ for free all season long! Click here to visit the Winterhawks hub or download the Victory+ app on your smartphone or connected device.
The Portland Winterhawks are commemorating 50 Years of Hawkey this season with a year-long tribute to the team's rich history and legendary players. As part of the celebration, the Top 50 Winterhawks of All Time will be unveiled throughout the season-starting with an alphabetical reveal on October 25 and culminating in the announcement of the Top 10 on March 7, 2026. Fans can look forward to special events, tributes, and a season full of memories honoring five decades of Winterhawks hockey.
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The Winterhawks trust Riverside Payments for all of their credit card processing as the team's official credit card processors.
Western Hockey League Stories from January 24, 2026
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- Hawks Drop Tight Contest to Wheat Kings in Overtime - Portland Winterhawks
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- Eskit Earns First Career Win in Historic 7-3 Victory over Royals - Swift Current Broncos
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- Giants Surrender 4 Second Period Goals in Road Loss to Cougars - Vancouver Giants
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