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WHL Portland Winterhawks

Hawks Top Cougars in Dramatic Fashion for Fifth Straight Win

January 7, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Josh Davies scored twice, including a dramatic game-winner with one minute to play, to help push the Winterhawks to a 4-3 win over the Prince George Cougars on Saturday night.

With the game deadlocked at three heading into the final moments of the third period, James Stefan led a 3-on-2 rush and found Davies streaking down the right wing for a one-time blast past Joshua Ravensbergen. Stefan earned his fourth point of the night on the game-winner as the Hawks tallied in the final 60 seconds for the second straight outing.

The Winterhawks have now won five straight games as well as 10 of their last 11 contests. They sit atop the U.S. Division at 25-10-1-1 (52 pts) on the year after knocking off the Western Conference-leading Cougars.

A clash between two top teams lived up to its billing from the start. After scoring Portland's first last night, Davies found twine beside the net tonight with a chip shot through Ravensbergen to kick off the offense. Just 62 seconds later, though, Prince George equalized on Zac Funk's league-leading 41st of the year. Portland's Nick Avakyan also stood tall with a key save on a penalty shot early in the frame.

The Cougars then broke the tie 39 seconds into the second period as Carlin Dezainde netted his eighth of the season. This time, it was Portland's turn for a response as Gabe Klassen ripped home a power-play goal seven minutes later. The Hawks' captain appeared to regain the lead for his club early in the third period, but the goal was waved off. Shortly after, however, Stefan finished another chance for a 3-2 lead after a perfect seam pass from Luca Cagnoni in the right circle. The game appeared destined for overtime after Borya Valis' first as a Cougar again leveled the score, but Davies' dramatic winner sealed a crucial regulation win for Portland.

Avakyan earned his own fifth consecutive victory between Portland's pipes with 37 saves on 40 shots. Ravensbergen was strong in his own right with 24 saves on 28 shots in his team's loss.

The Winterhawks return to action next Friday in Kent, Wash. against the Seattle Thunderbirds.

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 7, 2024


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