Mirwald Outstanding for Giants in Loss to Winterhawks
Published on January 1, 2024 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Vancouver Giants News Release
Vancouver Giants' London Hoilett battles Portland Winterhawks' Ryder Thompson
(Vancouver Giants, Credit: Keith Dwiggins & Pat Kempany)
Portland, OR - The Vancouver Giants were shut out 3-0 by the Portland Winterhawks on Sunday evening, but it could have been more lopsided if not for a 50-save performance from Giants goaltender Brett Mirwald.
With the loss, Vancouver's record falls to 13-21-2-0 this season. Portland improves to 23-10-1-1.
Despite the lopsided shot counter - which read 53-14 by the end of the game - the Giants were right there knocking on the door throughout the contest, trailing 1-0 after 40 minutes.
Josh Davies' deflection off James Stefan's shot made it 2-0 for Portland midway through the third and the Winterhawks added an empty-net goal to make it a 3-0 final.
GAME SUMMARY:
The only goal in the first two periods actually went in off a skate, as Winterhawks forward Josh Zakreski attempted a wrap-around midway through the first that deflected off a Giants player and in. That goal made it 1-0 for Portland at the 9:29 mark of the opening period.
Vancouver got into some penalty trouble near the end of the second, but Mirwald helped them kill off three straight infractions, including a 5-on-3.
After 40 minutes, Mirwald had already racked up 38 saves, as the shots were 39-8 for the Winterhawks, with the score remaining 1-0.
Vancouver tried to push in the third, but Portland extended their lead after Stefan's wrist shot from the blueline was deflected in by Davies. It was close to being a high stick, but after review, the referees confirmed it was a legal goal.
Stefan added an empty-net goal with 2:52 left in regulation to make it a 3-0 final.
THEY SAID IT
"It was one of those games where it could have turned. You're one goal [away] in the third, it was just one shot away, but we certainly didn't generate enough to create enough chances...After the first [period], the chances we had were 5-4, so we're in a game. Obviously some discipline issues. We go on the kill 5-on-3 again tonight and that just changes a little bit of momentum I thought. Against this team, you've got to be really, really disciplined. You can't over extend your minutes on the ice, especially from our top guys. That tweaked momentum a little bit, but we were still in it, we were one shot away there for a bit. But we've got to move on. We've got another test with Calgary on Wednesday." Associate Coach Adam Maglio
STATISTICS
SOG: VAN - 4/4/6 = 14 | POR - 17/22/14 = 53
PP: VAN - 0/1 | POR - 0/4
Face-Offs: VAN - 20 | POR - 38
3 STARS
1st: POR - Josh Davies - 1G, 6 SOG, +1
2nd: VAN - Brett Mirwald - 50 Saves on 52 shots
3rd: POR - Nick Avakyan - 14 Saves for 1st career shutout
GOALTENDING BATTLE
Vancouver: Loss - Brett Mirwald (50 saves / 52 shots)
Portland: WIN - Nick Avakyan (14 saves / 14 shots)
NEXT GAME:
The Giants host the Calgary Hitmen on Wednesday, January 3, which will be their last game at the LEC until January 21, as they'll embark on a two-week road trip to Saskatchewan and Manitoba next week.
Images from this story
 Vancouver Giants' London Hoilett battles Portland Winterhawks' Ryder Thompson (Keith Dwiggins & Pat Kempany) |
Western Hockey League Stories from January 1, 2024
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- Hitmen Fall to Royals 5-4 in Overtime - Calgary Hitmen
- Pats Battle Back to Salvage a Point - Regina Pats
- Elliott Picks up Second Shutout, Blades Blank Wheat Kings 4-0 - Saskatoon Blades
- Special Teams the Difference as Wheat Kings Fall to Blades - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Oil Kings Pull out Last-Second 6-5 Win over Silvertips - Everett Silvertips
- Nash's Late Game Heroics Propels Oil Kings to Win in Everett - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Warriors Ring in New Year in Regina - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Preview: Oil Kings at Everett Silvertips - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Hawks Win Third Straight With 3-0 Win Over Vancouver - Portland Winterhawks
- Chiefs Ring in the New Year in Style with Season-High 11 Goals - Spokane Chiefs
- Mirwald Outstanding for Giants in Loss to Winterhawks - Vancouver Giants
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