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Portland Winterhawks

Hawks Go Back-To-Back in Victoria with 5-2 Win on Saturday

February 25, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Five multi-point performances and a 19-save effort from Jan Špunar helped the Winterhawks go back-to-back on the island, knocking off the Victoria Royals for the second straight evening by a 5-2 final.

Portland's record now stands at 39-14-2-1 on the year (81pts, 1st U.S. Division).

The Hawks got off to a solid start through Nate Danielson's deflection at 5:47 of the first, then built on their lead at the same point in the second period as Carter Sotheran rifled a wrister from the left circle.

Victoria responded with two goals in four minutes from Deegan Kinniburgh and Tyson Laventure, but Portland restored its lead before the second break with two goals in the final three minutes of the period. Diego Buttazzoni deflected a Tyson Jugnauth shot in the high slot at 17:26 to put Portland back in front, then Jugnauth posted his own just 1:10 later with a deft chip of a Jack O'Brien setup for a two-goal lead through 40 minutes.

Having withstood Victoria's push, Portland controlled play in the third and tacked on its fifth when Gabe Klassen opportunistically deposited a bounce off the end boards into the Royals' net at 13:01 of the third. Špunar, starting his second game in as many nights, picked up his 17th win of the season, while Jayden Kraus (28/32) and Braden Holt (12/13) each saw time in Victoria's crease.

The Winterhawks now return home for three games on home ice next week, starting with a massive tilt against Eastern Conference power Moose Jaw on Wednesday night.

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