WHL Portland Winterhawks

Jr. Winterhawks 14U & 16U Programs to Compete at National Tournament

April 2, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Beaverton, Ore. - No matter the game or the setting, expectations are always high for the Portland Jr. Winterhawks travel hockey teams. That was especially true at this year's Oregon Tier 2 State Championship Tourney held at the Winterhawks Skating Center in late February.

The Jr. Winterhawks 14U AA and 16U AA teams came into the tournament the presumptive favorites and did not disappoint, with both teams winning the championship and each earning their bids to the USA Hockey National Championship tournaments in early April in Buffalo, NY (14U) and Dallas, TX (16U). This 2024 Oregon state tournament marked the first time in over 25 years that Oregon's automatic bid to Nationals was contested and both Jr. Winterhawks teams have earned their bids to represent Oregon.

The Jr. Winterhawks have two chances to add to the national championship banners hanging at Winterhawks Skating Center. Since 1938, when USA Hockey began holding national championships, the State of Oregon has won three titles, all three reside in the rafters of the Jr. Winterhawks home rink.

Portland Winterhawks Head Coach and General Manager, Mike Johnston, is proud of how far the program has come in recent years. "From our two most recent Jr. Winterhawks National Championships in 2017 to the two third-place finishes at Nationals for both 14U and 18U back In 2022, the program continues to grow and thrive on a national stage," said Coach Johnston.

16U AA Head Coach and Jr. Winterhawks Hockey Director, Barry Smith, said "We play every year for National Championships. To have both our 14U and 16U teams representing Oregon in Buffalo and Texas is an honor and a privilege. The kids have been working very hard and we are excited to see them competing again on a national stage."

Ben Stadey, Head Coach of the 14U team, grew up as a kid playing in the Jr. Winterhawks association. Ben said, "The Jr. Winterhawks association gave me opportunities as a kid to pursue and realize my dreams of playing in the USHL and playing college hockey at Providence College. The boys have put in a lot of work and are ready to compete against the best in the nation as they pursue their own dreams. I am proud to be a part of this ride with them."

The Chipotle USA Hockey National Championships for 14UAA and 16UAA are held April 3-7, 2024. More information about the Portland Jr. Winterhawks youth hockey can be found at www.winterhawksjrhockey.com.

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