Klassen and Cagnoni Named U.S. Division All-Stars
March 28, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
Calgary, Alta. - The Western Hockey League today announced the 2022-23 Divisional All-Star teams, naming Winterhawks' defenseman Luca Cagnoni to the U.S. Division second team and forward Gabe Klassen to the U.S. Division first team.
Klassen, 19, and Cagnoni, 18, were recently named Most Valuable Players during the Winterhawks' team awards presentation after stellar seasons for both skaters. Each player recorded career-best seasons and ranked among the league's best in their respective positions.
Luca Cagnoni and Gabe Klassen pose with coaches as they receive the team MVP award. (Photo: Keith Dwiggins)
Klassen paced the Winterhawks in scoring this year, recording career-highs in goals (35), assists (34) and points (69). The Prince Albert, Sask. native also served as team captain and led the club to its sixth consecutive 40-win season. In addition to being named team MVP alongside Cagnoni and winning the club's Leading Scorer Award, Klassen was named Most Popular Player by the Portland Winterhawks Booster Club.
Klassen excelled on the power play with 15 goals - good for second on the team and a share of 11th in the league - and his five game-winning goals were the most among all Winterhawks skaters.
The full U.S. Division First All-Star Team can be found below.
WHL U.S. Division First All-Star Team
Goaltender - Thomas Milic (Coquitlam, B.C.) - Seattle Thunderbirds
Defenseman - Kevin Korchinski (Saskatoon, Sask.) - Seattle Thunderbirds
Defenseman - Lukas Dragicevic (Richmond, B.C.) - Tri-City Americans
Forward - Jackson Berezowski (Yorkton, Sask.) - Everett Silvertips
Forward - Gabe Klassen (Prince Albert, Sask.) - Portland Winterhawks
Forward - Jared Davidson (Edmonton, Alta.) - Seattle Thunderbirds
Cagnoni also posted career-best numbers in several major categories during his second full WHL season, notching 17 goals, 47 assists and 64 points to lead all Portland blueliners and rank 10th among WHL defensemen. The Burnaby, B.C. native quarterbacked the Winterhawks' ninth-ranked power play with five goals and a team-leading 27 assists on the man-advantage. Cagnoni's offensive outburst this year also reached milestone status as he eclipsed the 100-point mark in just 135 career games.
A top 2023 NHL Draft prospect, Cagnoni has been listed on each NHL Central Scouting list throughout the season, most recently appearing at #34 on the North American skater rankings.
The full U.S. Division Second All-Star Team can be found below.
WHL U.S. Division Second All-Star Team
Goaltender - Tomas Suchanek (Olomouc, Czechia) - Tri-City Americans
Defenseman - Nolan Allan (Davidson, Sask.) - Seattle Thunderbirds
Defenseman - Luca Cagnoni (Burnaby, B.C.) - Portland Winterhawks
Forward - Chase Bertholet (The Pas, Man.) - Spokane Chiefs
Forward - Lucas Ciona (Edmonton, Alta.) - Seattle Thunderbirds
Forward - Austin Roest (Coldstream, B.C.) - Everett Silvertips
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Playoffs are right around the corner! Cheer on the Hawks in round one as they embark on their 12th straight trip to the postseason with a battle against the Everett Silvertips. The action starts March 31 in the VMC, and fans can purchase single-game tickets and playoff packages by calling 503-236-4295!
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