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WHL Portland Winterhawks

Hawks Top Cougars 2-1 in Prince George

January 20, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Prince George, B.C. - Diego Buttazzoni netted the game-winner 6:14 into the third period and Nick Avakyan earned first-star honors with 34/35 saves as the Winterhawks earned a 2-1 win over the Prince George Cougars at CN Centre on Saturday night.

The rematch between these two first-place clubs again delivered the excitement as Portland responded to a 3-2 defeat yesterday to split the four-game season series with Prince George. The Winterhawks' record now stands at 28-11-2-1 on the year.

Buttazzoni broke a 1-1 deadlock early in the final frame with a power-play goal for his 20th tuck of the campaign. The 2024 NHL Draft prospect received a perfect seam pass from Carter Sotheran that caught the entire Cougars PK unit leaning one way, then wired a shot into a yawning cage for the lead. Buttazzoni has now scored in four of his last five games and ranks fourth on the team in goals.

After conceding first in last night's loss, the Winterhawks started on the front foot on Saturday and found twine late in the opening period on Nate Danielson's 14th of the year and second as a Winterhawk. Luca Cagnoni first sent a pass to Danielson at the goal line, who then dished to Marcus Nguyen in the slot. Nguyen drew a defender to him before sliding a shot under goaltender Ty Young, where Danielson knocked the loose puck home for an early lead.

Portland carried its advantage into the middle 20 minutes, but Prince George managed a response midway through the frame. Ondrej Becher's 18th of the year leveled things at one apiece heading into the third, where Buttazzoni's deciding tally ensured Portland's win.

The Winterhawks now head home to gear up for a three-in-three weekend ahead, with road games on Friday in Tri-City and Saturday in Spokane, then a home date on Sunday against Seattle (rescheduled from Jan. 13).

-- WINTERHAWKS.COM -

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