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WHL Portland Winterhawks

Hawks Top Tips 4-2 for Third Straight Win

December 11, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Portland, Ore. - Three first-period goals and 32 saves from Jan Spunar helped the Winterhawks (21-4-2-1) knock off the Everett Silvertips (15-12-1-0) by a 4-2 final on Sunday for their third straight win.

In addition to its three-game winning streak, Portland has also recorded points in five consecutive outings (4-0-1-0).

Fresh off a thrilling Teddy Bear Toss win on Saturday, the Winterhawks got right back to work with two early tallies on Sunday. Gabe Klassen potted the first with a pass that deflected off an Everett skate and past Braden Holt at 6:14 of the first. Just over 90 seconds later, the Hawks made it 2-0 on the back of some individual brilliance from Luca Cagnoni. The top 2023 NHL Draft prospect picked up the puck in the bottom left corner before circling the entire zone, driving through the slot and dishing to his defense partner, fellow draft-eligible Carter Sotheran, for a backdoor tap-in and a 2-0 Portland lead. Pouring on the pressure, the Hawks' power play struck at 15:57 of the first as James Stefan rifled a shot from the right circle bar-down over Holt's shoulder for his first goal since Nov. 4.

Everett cut into Portland's lead with a 5-on-3 tally midway through the second period as Ryan Hofer fired home his 17th of the year, but Aidan Litke quickly responded to restore the hosts' three-goal advantage. Following a turnover at the blue line, Gabe Klassen deflected a Robbie Fromm-Delorme shot off of Holt's pad to a waiting Litke for the tidy tuck.

The 'Tips continued to push, and Austin Roest posted his team-leading 20th goal of the season to again cut Portland's lead to two heading into the third, but Spunar and the Hawks held strong in the final 20 for the 4-2 victory.

Portland is off until Friday, Dec. 16, when they kick off the front end of a home-and-home with the Vancouver Giants at Langley Events Centre. They return home to take on the Giants at the VMC at 6:00 P.M. on Saturday for Holiday Sweater Night.

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