Hawks Early Surge Falls Short in Vancouver

November 27, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release

Portland, Ore. - The Winterhawks (17-3-1-1) scored first and Dante Giannuzzi was solid with 35 saves, but the Vancouver Giants (9-10-2-2) grabbed three unanswered goals to take a 3-1 win on Sunday afternoon.

The loss marks the first time Portland has suffered consecutive regulation defeats this season.

After falling behind early in the first two games of this road swing, the Hawks were buzzing early as Ryan McCleary opened the scoring 5:19 into the opening frame. McCleary and his defense partner Marek Alscher played a game of catch on the blue line before the Pittsburgh Penguins' prospect stepped up with a laser from the top of the circles to give Portland a 1-0 lead on the power play.

The contest remained cagey in the second period as both teams ramped up the physicality, but the Giants managed to get on the board as Ty Thorpe capitalized on a defensive miscue by Portland's power play behind its own cage. Vancouver carried its momentum into the third and tallied two quick goals, first via Samuel Honzek - again shorthanded - and then through Thorpe's second of the game to take a 3-1 lead. The Hawks pushed late but came up empty as Giants goaltender Jesper Vikman stopped 24 of 25 total shots for the win.

The Winterhawks are back on home ice this Wednesday against the Seattle Thunderbirds at 7:00 P.M.

Western Hockey League Stories from November 27, 2022

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• Hitmen Edged 3-2 By Rebels In Overtime - Calgary Hitmen
• Roest Nets Hat Trick as Offense Erupts for 7-2 Win in Spokane - Everett Silvertips
• Tigers Fall 4-2 to Raiders - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Explosive Second Period Helps Raiders Knock off Tigers 4-2 - Prince Albert Raiders
• WHL Official Jeff Ingram Receives WHL Milestone Award - WHL
• Hawks Early Surge Falls Short in Vancouver - Portland Winterhawks
• Americans Face Thunderbirds for First Time this Season - Tri-City Americans
• Cougars Win Streak Ends Falling 4-1 to Kamloops - Prince George Cougars
• Chiefs Host Winter Warmth Clothing Drive as They Take on the Silvertips Sunday - Spokane Chiefs
• Game Day Preview vs Prince Albert - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Game Day Hub: November 27 at Vancouver - Portland Winterhawks
• Pats Crown Royals 9-5 - Regina Pats
• Americans Double Up On Chiefs, 4-2 - Tri-City Americans
• Schuurman Scores Twice in Return as Royals Fall to Pats - Victoria Royals
• Blades Beat CHL's Top ICE 5-2 on Pride Night - Saskatoon Blades
• Firkus Scores Late to Lift Warriors Past Rockets on Saturday - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Rockets Drop Game to Warriors, 4-3 - Kelowna Rockets
• Tigers Fall at Home to Hitmen - Medicine Hat Tigers

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