WHL Portland Winterhawks

Walker's Hat Trick Knocks Off Cougs 5-1

Published on February 10, 2009 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


The Portland Winter Hawks struck early, scoring three goals in the first period, and they get a hat trick from Luke Walker, knocking off the Prince George Cougars by a score of 5-1 on Tuesday night at the CN Centre in Prince George.

Luke Walker got the Hawks going with a deflection of a Brett Ponich entry pass less than two minutes into the opening period. Chris Francis then added a short-handed goal, again set up by Ponich, scoring on a two-on-one rush on a wrist shot from the left circle.

Less than a minute later, Stefan Schneider was hooked on a breakaway and was awarded a penalty shot by referee Steve Papp, and Schneider made no mistake, burying a back hand top-corner over Kevin Armstrong to extend the lead to 3-0 at the end of the first period.

Walker would get the lone goal of the second period, assisted by Francis and the third assist of the night for Ponich, on a goal-mouth stuff shot. It was the team leading 18th of the season for Walker.

Prince George scored their lone goal early in the third period on a rebound by Corey Tyrell, off an entry shot by Marek Viedensky.

Walker would finish out his hat trick, tipping in a cross ice pass from Francis in the closing minutes. Radim Valchar added an assist. Walker, Francis and Ponich each finished with three point nights for Portland.

Kurtis Mucha went the distance in net for Portland, stopping 33 of 34 shots for his 50th career WHL victory. Kevin Armstrong started in net for Prince George, playing one period, making 9 saves on 12 shots. Joe Caligiuri finished for the Cougars, stopping 12 of 14.

On special teams, Portland went 0 for 2 while killing all four short-handed opportunities against.

Next up, the Winter Hawks return to action on Friday night, hosting the Spokane Chiefs at 7:30 at the Memorial Coliseum.

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 10, 2009


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