Winterhawks Weekly: on to the Next
April 9, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
The Hawks are hot and heading to Round 2!
After rattling off four straight wins to open the postseason, the Winterhawks eliminated the Victoria Royals with two road wins last week. The 2-seed Winterhawks are now gearing up for a second-round battle against the 3-seed Everett Silvertips - a rematch of last year's first-round matchup. Portland took that series 4-1 in 2023, but an improved 'Tips team awaits. Be there on Friday and Saturday for more Playoff Hawkey in the Glass Palace!
Hot Hawks:
Forward Josh Davies scored in both games on the island and picked up a team-high four points. Davies has goals in three straight games and ranks third in team scoring with six points during the playoffs.
Forward James Stefan led the Hawks to a Game 3 win with a hat-trick en route to four points on the week. The Edmonton Oilers prospect leads the Hawks with eight points in four games this postseason.
Forward Josh Zakreski bagged his first two career playoff goals in Game 4 to kick-start Portland's victory and boasts three points in four games - nearing the five he recorded throughout last year's postseason.
Defenseman Luca Cagnoni notched a third straight multi-point game on Tuesday, posting three helpers in a Game 3 win. After leading all WHL defensemen in scoring during the regular season, the San Jose Sharks prospect ranks second with seven points thus far in the playoffs.
Goaltender Jan Špunar made 50 saves on 56 shots to once again backstop Portland's pair of victories. The Czech puckstopper has made 20+ saves in three of four games this postseason and has allowed just a single goal in two outings.
Play of the Week:
Football season might be over, but Luca Cagnoni's always ready to show off his QB skills! The San Jose Sharks prospect earned "Highlight of the Night" honors on Tuesday for this beauty of a pass - a lengthy aerial dart from his own goal line to spring Gabe Klassen on a breakaway at the far blue line. What a play!
Weekly Rewind:
Round 1, Game 3 - Portland 6 at Victoria 5 (Tuesday):
James Stefan tallied four points (3G,1A) while Josh Davies (1G,2A) and Luca Cagnoni (3A) posted three apiece to help the Winterhawks knock off the Royals 6-5 on Tuesday in Victoria.
Round 1, Game 4 - Portland 4 at Victoria 1 (Wednesday):
Three points from Josh Zakreski and a 20-save effort from Jan Špunar helped the Winterhawks take a 4-1 win over the Victoria Royals in Game 4 on Wednesday, completing a first-round sweep of the Royals.
The Week Ahead:
Round 2 starts this weekend! Join us at the VMC for Game 1 on Friday at 7pm and Game 2 on Saturday at 6pm as the Winterhawks battle the Everett Silvertips in a rematch of last year's first-round series.
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Tickets for the Winterhawks 2024 WHL Playoffs run are on sale NOW! Click here to purchase single-game tickets as they become available and be there as your hometown Hawks chase a fourth WHL Championship!
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Western Hockey League Stories from April 9, 2024
- Round Two Primer: Games 3 & 4 (4/15 & 4/19) - Everett Silvertips
- Winterhawks Announce Round 2 WHL Playoff Schedule - Portland Winterhawks
- Iginla Named WHL Player of the Week - Kelowna Rockets
- Tyler Palmer Named WHL Goalie of the Week - Everett Silvertips
- WHL Announces Weekly Award Winners - WHL
- Murray Sees Hope for Future in Lessons from 2023-24 - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Wild Hockey Academy Names Lochten to 15O Coaching Position - Wenatchee Wild
- Winterhawks Weekly: on to the Next - Portland Winterhawks
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