Winterhawks Sign Forward Cole Cairns to WHL Standard Player Agreement
Published on June 1, 2022 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
Portland, Ore. - The Portland Winterhawks, proud member club of the Western Hockey League, are pleased to announce the signing of prospect Cole Cairns to a WHL Standard Player Agreement.
The Winterhawks originally selected Cairns in the fourth round, #81 overall, of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft. The Manitoba-based forward spent the 2021-22 season with the Winnipeg Bruins U18 AAA program, tallying seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 38 games.
"Cole is a feisty right-winger, a big, strong, power forward. He's an excellent skater and a high-end competitor," Assistant to the General Manager and Director of Scouting Mike Coflin said after drafting Cairns in December.
Cole Cairns (11) battles with two players on Team Saskatchewan during the 2021 WHL Cup in Red Deer, Alta. (Courtesy: WHL)
Cairns is a versatile forward with a good motor who can play both center and on the wing. The Winnipeg, Man. native becomes the second player from the Winterhawks 2021 WHL Prospects Draft to sign with Portland, joining goaltender Luke Brunen.
Cairns appeared in two games during the shortened 2020-21 season, tallying three assists with RINK Hockey Academy U15 Prep. He was then selected to play for Team Manitoba in the 2021-22 WHL Cup and registered two points in five games against other top players in his age group.
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The Winterhawks finished the 2021-22 regular season with 47 wins, the most among U.S. Division Clubs. Regarded as one of the nation's elite junior hockey franchises, the Winterhawks are two-time Memorial Cup Champions and three-time WHL Champions.
The Portland Winterhawks take pride in developing their players and have produced the most NHL-drafted players among WHL teams and 131 alumni have played in the NHL, including Hockey Hall of Fame members Cam Neely and Marian Hossa and recent Winterhawks stars like Seth Jarvis, Cody Glass, Seth Jones, and Ryan Johansen.
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