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WHL Portland Winterhawks

Winterhawks Weekly: Playoff Bound

February 19, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


The Winterhawks hit the ice for four games last week with mixed results, posting two dominant wins in tandem with a pair of frustrating losses. Through it all, though, the team hit 10 goals in one game for the third time this season on Tuesday and officially clinched a berth in the 2024 WHL Playoffs on Saturday! The team will chase its fourth WHL title and compete for the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the 13th straight season this spring, and we can't wait to see the VMC rocking in the postseason once again.

Before we get there, though, there's plenty left to be decided in the regular season! This week, the Hawks head across the water to battle the Victoria Royals in back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday.

Hot Hawks:

Forward James Stefan led the Winterhawks with seven total points last week, notching three (1G, 2A) on Tuesday and four (2G, 2A) on Saturday - including his 100th WHL goal. The 20-year-old leads Portland with 39 goals on the year.

Forward Jack O'Brien found the scoresheet just once last week but made quite the impact, posting a hat-trick and two helpers to fuel the Hawks' win over Everett on Tuesday. The Denver, Colo. native is on pace for career-best numbers with 43 points in 46 games already this season.

Forward Nate Danielson also posted a stunning five points (1G, 4A) in Tuesday's rout, and scored again to help the Hawks take down Vancouver on Saturday. The trade acquisition ranks fifth in team scoring with 46 points in 41 games, including 20 points in 15 games with Portland.

Defenseman Luca Cagnoni posted a pair of three-point efforts with a goal and two assists on both Tuesday and Saturday. The San Jose Sharks prospect has posted multiple points in three of his last five outings and leads all WHL defensemen with 70 points.

Goaltender Justen Maric returned from nearly a two-month injury absence to post 17 saves in Portland's playoff-clinching 8-3 win on Saturday night. The Edmonton, Alta. native has posted five wins in 11 appearances with the Winterhawks.

Play of the Week:

A week that saw 18 goals on home ice - including our third double-digit score of the season - deserves more than just one play of the week, so we're throwing it back to Tuesday's 10-2 win over Everett with Jack O'Brien's second hat-trick of the year! Enjoy all three strikes from the 20-year-old Colorado native and make sure you've got a hat ready to throw for his next one!

Weekly Rewind:

Portland 10 vs. Everett 2 (Tuesday):

Jack O'Brien (3G, 2A) and Nate Danielson (1G, 4A) each posted five points and seven different Portland skaters recorded multiple points as the Winterhawks routed the Everett Silvertips by a whopping 10-2 final at the VMC on Tuesday night.

Portland 1 at Vancouver 3 (Friday):

Josh Mori brought Portland within a goal in the third, but Brett Mirwald's 37 saves helped the Vancouver Giants steal a 3-1 win in B.C. on Friday night.

Portland 8 vs. Vancouver 3 (Saturday):

Led by James Stefan (2G, 2A) and Kyle Chyzowski (2G), eight different Portland skaters recorded multiple points as the Winterhawks trounced the Vancouver Giants 8-3 on Saturday night to officially clinch a berth in the 2024 WHL Playoffs.

Portland 0 at Everett 4 (Sunday):

The Winterhawks carried play and outshot their opponents, but a 34-save shutout from Tyler Palmer carried the Everett Silvertips to a 4-0 victory at Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday.

The Week Ahead:

We're off to the island - Vancouver Island, that is!

The Winterhawks are hopping on the ferry for their annual weekend in Victoria, B.C., with a back-to-back set against the Royals at Save-On-Foods Memorial Center. Festivities kick off at 7:05 P.M. on Friday night, with the rematch set for Saturday at 6:05 P.M.

Catch all the action with WHL Live on CHL TV this week, then get ready to catch the Hawks back on home ice for a massive cross-conference battle against Moose Jaw on Wednesday, Feb. 28!

Upcoming Promo Nights:

Friday, March 1 - Art Night - BUY TICKETS

Saturday, March 2 - Glass Palace Night (Daylight Game) - BUY TICKETS

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!

- 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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Western Hockey League Stories from February 19, 2024


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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