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WHL Portland Winterhawks

Winterhawks Players Looking Forward to NHL Camps

September 4, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


With National Hockey League training camps getting underway next week, the Portland Winterhawks will be sending six players off to compete for spots with the pros. The Hawks players will join teams in all corners of the continent, from New York to Edmonton.

After being drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the second round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, defenseman Brett Ponich is flying out Friday morning to St. Louis to meet up with the Blues' other prospects. Ponich will then head to Traverse City, Mich. to compete in the NHL Prospects Tournament to try and earn an invitation back to St. Louis' main training camp.

"Mostly I am hoping to just get experience," said Ponich. "I am going in there with the mindset to make the team, but if that doesn't happen, then I just want to learn as much as I can from the older players that are there."

With three members of the Portland squad attending the NHL Prospects Tournament, Ponich looks forward to going head-to-head against a few of his Winterhawks teammates on the other side of the puck.

"It should be fun. I want to play some guys pretty hard and hopefully I will get the chance to get back at them for some stuff, but it will be pretty fun," he said, laughing.

Tayler Jordan will also be at the NHL Prospects Tournament, playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Right before he left Thursday to board a plane headed to Columbus, he admitted he is both eager, and a little anxious, for the upcoming tournament.

"I have some nerves ...but it is mostly exciting trying to get amped up for that type of competition. I get to play against Ponich up there and hopefully maybe I will see (Luke) Walker in the playoffs or something. It will be fun to play on the other side of the bench," said Jordan.

Until he received the invitation from the Blue Jackets, Jordan never thought about, or pictured himself, one day participating at an NHL Prospects Tournament, let alone possibly being invited to their training camp.

"It wasn't even on my mind that I would someday get to play at that level," Jordan said. "I was just in it for the fun and for the love of the game, but now it will take me to a totally different level."

Another Hawk who will be playing in the Traverse City Tournament is Luke Walker, who will suit up for the New York Rangers.

"Playing against the top guys of my age group is what I am looking forward to the most," said Walker. "It will be a real test to see what level I am at and to see what I need to work on this year to improve, and then get to that next level."

Even though he admits he would have played for any team that wanted him, Walker is happy to be following in his father's footsteps. During his hockey career, Gordie Walker also put on uniforms for both the Winterhawks and the Rangers.

"It's kind of cool to play in the same places he did," Walker said. "But I would go anywhere really. It's just a little something extra."

Meanwhile, newcomer Spencer Bennett will be heading to Calgary to participate in the Flames' training camp after being drafted by them in the fifth round of the 2009 draft. Bennett hopes to bring back what he learns in camp to the Winterhawks to help Portland make a playoff run.

"I am looking forward to scrimmaging with the older guys the most," said Bennett. "Just picking up the little stuff they do that makes them 10 times better than I am right now. It's going to be a year where I am looking forward to going to camp, and then coming back to help the Portland Winterhawks make a playoff run. I'll do whatever I can to help them."

Bennett isn't afraid to admit that he might be a little star struck when he first gets to Calgary. However, he sees the opportunity as a learning experience that can benefit the Winterhawks when he returns.

"I think maybe during the first day and fitness testing I will be a little star struck," said Bennett. "But once you get on the ice, you can't really tell who is who. I just want to learn from them and bring it back here. I want to win this year with the Hawks."

A Hawk who isn't new to the NHL training camps is goalie Kurtis Mucha. Mucha will be heading back to his roots in Edmonton, AB to train with his hometown team, the Oilers.

"I'm really excited," said Mucha. "I found out two or three weeks ago and I was really excited to go back home. My family and friends can come and watch. It will be a good experience for me and hopefully it goes well."

Mucha feels he has a slight advantage on the competition going into training camp this season since he has already participated in an NHL training camp. Last year Mucha had to opportunity to suit up for the Phoenix Coyotes and feels even more prepared than he was last year with a little extra help from goaltending coach Tyler Love.

"I have worked really hard this week with Tyler and he has done a great job with me," said Mucha. "I learned last year you just have to battle for every puck. They like to see goalies compete and battle out there every time."

Defenseman Travis Ehrhardt, who played for the Winterhawks last season, signed a free agent contract with the Detroit Red Wings during the offseason. He will participate with the Red Wings at the NHL Prospects Tournament. The Red Wings can also choose to send Ehrhardt back to the Winterhawks for another season at the end of training camp.

For every player, it promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Check out the Portland Winterhawks Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from September 4, 2009


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