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Portland Winterhawks

Winterhawks Weekly: March-Ing to the Playoffs

March 4, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


A busy week on home ice saw the Winterhawks take two of three games, including both halves of a weekend back-to-back in the Glass Palace, as they achieved an astonishing seventh straight 40-win season in the WHL.

The Hawks lead their division with 85 points and control their own destiny for both the Western Conference and U.S. Division titles, meaning they can capture both by simply winning their own games. The chase continues with two games this week, including Saturday's Oregon Hockey History Night featuring throwback uniforms!

Hot Hawks:

Forward Josh Zakreski paced the team with four points last week, logging two assists on Friday and two goals on Saturday to earn first-star honors in both contests. The 2024 NHL Draft prospect has set career-best numbers in all statistical categories with 19G, 22A and 41 points in 59 games.

Forward Nate Danielson achieved 200 points in his WHL career with a goal and an assist on Wednesday, then scored again on Friday with a sterling solo effort against Regina. Danielson has posted 26 points in 20 games with the Winterhawks and ranks fifth on the team with 52 points on the year.

Defenseman Marek Alscher bagged an assist on Wednesday and two on Saturday to hit 21 points on the year. A signed Florida Panthers prospect, Alscher has three multi-point performances in his last seven games and is approaching his career-best mark of 24 points, set last season.

Defenseman Luca Cagnoni posted one assist in each game last week and enters this week's action with points in five straight outings. The San Jose Sharks prospect leads all WHL defensemen with 75 points this season.

Goaltender Jan Špunar started all three games last week, picking up two wins and his second shutout of the season. The Czech backstop turned aside 22 of 25 in Wednesday's defeat, then stopped all 15 Regina shots on Friday and 16 of 20 to help the Hawks top the Royals on Saturday.

Play of the Week:

The Hawks needed a hero, and James Stefan stepped right up. The 20-year-old sniper ripped home his 42nd of the year just 27 seconds into overtime of Saturday's win over Victoria, helping the Hawks complete the season sweep of the Royals in comeback fashion.

Weekly Rewind:

Portland 3 vs. Moose Jaw 4 (Wednesday):

A phenomenal third-period push saw the Winterhawks score three goals in 12 minutes to keep pace in a back-and-forth tilt, but the Moose Jaw Warriors held on for a 4-3 win at the VMC on Wednesday.

Portland 3 vs. Regina 0 (Friday):

Jan Špunar saved all 15 pucks that came his way for his second career regular-season shutout as the Winterhawks dominated the Regina Pats in a 3-0 victory on Friday.

Portland 5 vs. Victoria 4 OT (Saturday):

James Stefan scored just 27 seconds into overtime on a wrist shot from the right circle to cap off the comeback as the Winterhawks topped the Victoria Royals 5-4 on Saturday night.

The Week Ahead:

Back on the ice for two games this week - one on the road, then another Saturday night at the Glass Palace!

The Hawks head back to B.C. for the final time this season on Wednesday against the Kamloops Blazers. Puck drop is set for 7:00 P.M. for that midweek battle and you can catch the action on WHL Live.

Then on Saturday, we're celebrating Oregon Hockey History Night with some sweet throwback threads! Join us for a 6:00 P.M. puck drop as the Winterhawks Rosebuds hit the ice against Wenatchee!

Upcoming Promo Nights:

Saturday, March 9 - Oregon Hockey History Night - BUY TICKETS

Friday, March 15 - Fan Appreciation Night - BUY TICKETS

PLUS - did you hear the big news? The Portland/Seattle rivalry is climbing to new heights with the "Battle on the Sound" - a regularly scheduled road game on March 17 against the Thunderbirds will now be played at Climate Pledge Arena, home of the Seattle Kraken! See you there!

[CLICK HERE FOR BATTLE ON THE SOUND TICKETS]

Playoff tickets are available NOW with the "Chase The Dream" Playoff Pass! For just $175, you get a lower-bowl seat to every single potential home game at the VMC in the 2024 WHL Playoffs. Availability is limited - act fast to secure your seat on the bandwagon!

[CLICK HERE FOR PLAYOFF TICKETS]

- Tickets for the 2023-24 season are on sale NOW! With single-game seats, season tickets, flex packs, group tickets and more, there's an option for every fan.

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The Winterhawks trust Riverside Payments for all of their credit card processing as the team's official credit card processors.

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