WHL Portland Winterhawks

Winter Hawks Trade Goaltender

Published on October 27, 2004 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


The Portland Winter Hawks made their goaltender decision today by trading 18-year-old Kevin Opsahl to the Spokane Chiefs for a 6th round choice in the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft.

The Hawks had three goalies after they acquired 20-year-old Blake Grenier (GRENN-yay) from the Swift Current Broncos last week, also for a 6th round pick.

"Kevin came in when we needed a goalie and competed for a spot," said Portland General Manager Ken Hodge. "We think this is going to be a great opportunity for him in Spokane."

The Chiefs have 18-year-old Jim Watt as their number one goalie, but their back-up, 18-year-old Kirk Irving gave up all 6 goals in a 6-1 home ice loss to Kamloops on Saturday. Opsahl had 2.93 average in 7 games with the Hawks last season and had stopped 91.1% of the shots he had faced this season.

"With the acquisition of Blake Grenier, we added experience and maturity to the goaltender position," said Portland coach Mike Williamson. "We felt that Dustin Butler was ahead of Kevin as far as our younger goalies were concerned and Dustin is a year younger. Before we picked up Blake, we had two goalies that did not have very much experience in our league. Now, I expect Dustin and Blake to push each other to be their best."

The Hawks host Kamloops in Memorial Coliseum Friday at 7:00 and travel to Everett Saturday for a 7:05 start.

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Western Hockey League Stories from October 27, 2004


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