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WHL Portland Winterhawks

Klassen Strikes Twice as Hawks Down Americans

January 27, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Two goals from Gabe Klassen and 23 saves from Nick Avakyan helped the Winterhawks hold off the Tri-City Americans 3-2 at Toyota Center on Friday night.

The Winterhawks have won three of their last four games and their record now stands at 29-11-2-1 on the year.

Portland opened up a 2-0 lead through 20 minutes with two power-play tallies in the first period. Luca Cagnoni picked up the primary assist on both, first setting up Klassen for a tap-in at the left post at 9:31, then firing a one-timer that went off Josh Davies and into the net to double the lead at 14:56.

Tri-City returned fire with a PPG of their own from Jackson Smith 3:14 into the second stanza. The teams played tight hockey for the next 12 minutes when Klassen potted his second of the night. Ryan Miller carried the puck from his own goal line to the Tri-City blue line, then hit a streaking Klassen on the left wing, who picked the top corner for a 3-1 lead. But the Americans continued to press, and again got within a goal through Jake Sloan late in the frame.

Both teams traded chances in the third, but the goalies held strong. Avakyan stood tall throughout the contest, and Portland's defense did a great job to hold Tri-City to five shots in the final frame. Kyle Kelsey finished with 32 saves on 35 shots in the Americans' loss.

The Winterhawks now head north to Spokane for a 6:05 P.M. battle with the Chiefs on Saturday night. The game will be broadcast on Portland's CW.

- Tickets for the 2023-24 season are on sale NOW! With single-game seats, season tickets, flex packs, group tickets and more, there's an option for every fan.

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 27, 2024


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