WHL Portland Winterhawks

Manitoban Winterhawks Bringing Home-Ice Advantage on the Road

Published on January 6, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Brandon, Man. - Despite traveling more than 1,300 miles to arrive for puck drop, this weekend's contests in Brandon and Winnipeg will mark the first "home" games in the WHL for a handful of Winterhawks.

For the first time in more than three years, Portland is back in the prairies to take on East Division clubs, providing a long-awaited homecoming opportunity for players from Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

First up, the club's six Manitobans - Dante Giannuzzi, Aidan Litke, Dawson Pasternak, Carter Sotheran, Alex Thompson and Ryder Thompson - get their chance to skate in familiar territory. Some have waited multiple seasons, others are here as rookies, but each is excited to be back in front of friendly faces.

"Yeah, it's gonna be super fun, exciting for me and my family. This was something we were looking forward to in my 16-year-old year but obviously, that wasn't a possibility," said Thompson.

"Me and Dante and all the other Manitobans have been talking about past memories, playing hockey in Brandon, and it's just nice to be on home soil here in Manitoba. I know the Winnipeg guys are really excited to get back there (Sunday), but we're taking it one game at a time and it's all-around exciting for everyone."

It's something of a full-circle moment for these players, with many having skated on this same ice during their youth hockey careers.

"It's a great feeling to be back. It's almost not even real, growing up here and coming to games, watching WHL players, this was always a dream of mine. So that coming true is pretty special to me," said Sotheran.

"I actually played in Westoba Place once with a AAA team when I was younger, and many, many tournaments in the Keystone Arena (adjacent). It's fun, it brings back memories...(being here) is cool and weird at the same time you know? I haven't been here since I was 12 but it's super exciting," said Thompson.

That familiarity extends to opposing teams, as well. The Manitoban Hawks are set to face former teammates and opponents who have made their own WHL paths - but don't expect too many niceties in the corners.

"I know a few guys on Brandon here, and then some guys in Saskatchewan that we'll see soon, but I'm not too worried about that right now. (We'll be) friends in the offseason, this is kind of bragging rights for the summer," said Sotheran.

Sunday's game in Winnipeg offers Thompson the opportunity to take on both former friends and foes.

"I've got a few good buddies on (the) Winnipeg (ICE). Evan Friesen is one of them, I also played with and against Conor Geekie growing up my whole life so it's gonna be fun to play against those guys," he said.

For several Manitobans with professional aspirations, the Winnipeg-based RINK Hockey Academy is a shared stepping stone well-known around the WHL. Current Winterhawks Ryder and Alex Thompson, Giannuzzi and Litke, plus high-end prospects Graham Jones and Cole Cairns, have each plied their trade with RINK during their careers.

"I think RINK Hockey Academy was a big part of our careers, you know Dante, Lits, a few of us...it's going to be nice to be back in Winnipeg playing against some guys there that have also had the same career path, so it's neat and it's gonna be fun," said Thompson.

Aside from the on-ice reunions, Thompson, Sotheran and their fellow Manitobans are excited to compete in front of family and friends at home for the very first time.

"I'll have mom and dad, I'll have the grandparents, a lot of relatives and friends...I don't know how many in counting, but it's gonna be a lot and it's gonna be fun to see them during and after the game," said Thompson.

Despite the distance from Portland, the Hawks know they'll still have plenty of support with friendly fans packing the stands.

"We kind of talk about how many people we've got coming to each game, how many fans we'll have. Should be pretty packed in Winnipeg and should be a good amount here tonight as well," said Sotheran.

"Should be good for us and hopefully we'll have the fan advantage."

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 6, 2023


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