The 20's, in their Own Words
April 24, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
With the end of the 2022-23 season comes the end of WHL hockey for two standout Winterhawks. Robbie Fromm-Delorme and Dante Giannuzzi - each 20-year-old players who have aged out of junior eligibility - have played their last game in Portland, but their impact won't soon be forgotten.
Both players chatted with Winterhawks.com about what their time in the Rose City meant to them, plans for the future, favorite memories and so much more.
Robbie Fromm-Delorme
On what he'll remember about Portland:
"Once you leave junior hockey, especially the Portland Winterhawks, it's never really the same. The emotions, the relationship you have with all your teammates...it really goes by fast. At some point, you gotta just stop and take it in. I thought we did have a lot of inexperienced guys going into the playoffs and I gotta give a lot of credit to the younger guys who haven't really had that playoff experience. I thought they all played really hard and played well and a good learning experience for them going into next year. Once you leave here, it changes. It all changes. To have everyone be all in like that is something that I can be proud of and look back on and be happy that I was a part of a group like that."
On the fans:
"There is nothing like the Portland Winterhawks fans and I'm grateful to be able to play for them. They're great fans and I think they're the best in the league. They've been for us not just on our ups, but they were there for our downs, too. It's a great fan base and it's something you don't often get to experience at this level."
Final message:
"It's the end of a journey, but the start of a new one. You have to look at it that way. I had a blast the last five years. My teammates, my coaches, the staff, everyone, they've been so good to me and I couldn't be more grateful for that."
Dante Giannuzzi
On what he'll remember about Portland:
"It's been unbelievable, honestly. Memories that will last a lifetime. Coming into Portland, I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. I remember coming in with Seth Jarvis who was one of my really good friends growing up, we were a little nervous. I think he would even say the same things. How great of memories you can make and how quickly you can bond with guys here. This will always be a highlight of my life being here in Portland for five years. Being able to go out there and battle with, truly, my brothers and just get to hang out with 25 of your best friends every day. It's hard not to be brothers at that point. You can talk to them about anything. It's such a great feeling have a group like that and being able to hang out with them and appreciate that. The bus rides, the hotel stays, all of that. Those are just core memories for all of us. The big wins are great as well for sure, but it's kind of the stuff away from the rink that sticks out as well and I think that's what a lot of us will never forget. To experience that and go through that for five years, this organization has been great to me."
On supporting the returning players:
"We had a phenomenal young group this year. So many great guys. I think I kind of went through the same thing when I was billeting with Nick Cicek early in my career here. I really looked up to him a lot and we were best friends. Seeing him move on, I just tried to keep his traditions going and keep that in the room and I hope the young guys will do the same for myself and Rob and keep the organization the same because I think what we have going is really good and everyone enjoys it. It's part of what makes us such a tight group. Billeting with Carter (Sotheran) and Aiden (Sotas), they are bright and phenomenal, young guys and they have bright futures here. Hopefully they have some good takeaways from me, not just stupid ones."
On his favorite memory:
"I don't think I could pick just one (favorite moment). The Eastern swing was amazing. I hadn't experienced that since I was 16. Being able to go back to my roots of Manitoba. For me, that was an awesome experience. I was never able to play up in Brandon or Winnipeg my first couple of years in the league but being able to be there (this season was special) and a lot of my family hadn't seen me play live in the WHL. I don't know how many people I had there that one day, but that was a phenomenal experience to be able to look back after the game and see them all there wearing red, showing signs. A lot of guys might have taken that for granted. That was an amazing trip and definitely a highlight for me. There are countless other highlights from this year. It's such a great group. All the guys with their personal accolades, I'm just so proud of them all."
Western Hockey League Stories from April 24, 2023
- The 20's, in their Own Words - Portland Winterhawks
- WHL Announces Weekly Award Winners - WHL
- Warriors Aim to Fight off Elimination in Game 6 on Monday - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Game 7 Tickets vs Red Deer Are Now Available - Saskatoon Blades
- Game #6 - ICE at Moose Jaw - Winnipeg Ice
- Ravensbergen Signs WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with Cougars - Prince George Cougars
- Blades Erase 3-0 Series Deficit, Force Game 7 - Saskatoon Blades
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
