Hawks Fall 4-3 to Moose Jaw
Published on February 29, 2024 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
Portland, Ore. - A phenomenal third-period push saw the Winterhawks score three goals in 12 minutes to keep pace in a back-and-forth tilt, but the Moose Jaw Warriors held on for a 4-3 win at the VMC on Wednesday.
Portland's record now stands at 39-15-2-1 on the year (81pts, 1st U.S. Division).
Warriors defenseman Denton Mateychuk made it 2-0 for the visitors 2:52 into the third, but Portland mounted its charge from there. Jack O'Brien responded at 8:04 with a laser from the right circle for his 19th of the season. When Matthew Savoie restored Moose Jaw's two-goal lead at 10:54 with his second goal of the game, Nate Danielson brought the Hawks right back in it with a deflection at 12:08 for his 200th WHL point.
With Jan Špunar pulled for the extra attacker, Moose Jaw's Jagger Firkus potted an empty-net goal with just over two minutes remaining. Despite the deficit, the Winterhawks continued to fight and Gabe Klassen made it a 4-3 game with a bullet from the slot just 22 seconds after Firkus' goal, but the clock ultimately ran out on the comeback bid.
Savoie scored his first of two goals 8:04 into the contest to put the visitors ahead in a fast-paced, tight-checking affair. Neither team found twine in that or the next period, setting the stage for a 1-0 score heading into the third.
Warriors goaltender Jackson Unger finished with 27 saves on 30 shots in a strong performance, while Špunar again put in a solid shift of his own with 22 saves on 25 shots.
The homestand rolls on as the Winterhawks host the Regina Pats for Art Night on Friday at 7:00, then the Victoria Royals on Saturday at 6:00.
-- WINTERHAWKS.COM -
Western Hockey League Stories from February 29, 2024
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- Warriors Take Out U.S. Division-Leading Winterhawks in Portland - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Pats Start Strong, But Fall 6-3 in First Ever Meeting in Wenatchee - Regina Pats
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