WHL Portland Winterhawks

Winterhawks Weekly: Top-Ranked Hawks Hit Six Straight Wins

Published on October 17, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


The Winterhawks rolled on to six straight wins with a pair of victories on home ice last weekend, ousting Kamloops and Tri-City on Friday and Sunday. The team continues to hold the top spot in the CHL Top 10 with a 6-1-0 record, and several players have kicked off the campaign on hot streaks.

Next up, the Hawks wrap up their homestand with a Wednesday night clash against the Brandon Wheat Kings before hitting the road to take on Everett on Saturday for the first of nine straight road games.

Hot Hawks:

Forward Diego Buttazzoni continued what has been a breakout campaign thus far with a goal on Friday and an assist on Sunday. The 2024 NHL Draft prospect has recorded at least one point in all seven games this season and ranks third in team scoring with 10 points on the year.

Forward James Stefan continues to pile up goals, notching three total tallies in two games last weekend. The Laguna Beach, Calif. native also posted two assists on the weekend and has found the scoresheet in all seven games played en route to a team-leading 14 points in that span.

Forward Hudson Darby picked up his first WHL goal in Friday's win over Kamloops, then bagged his second in short order as the Hawks routed Tri-City 7-0 on Sunday. The rookie sniper will look to keep his hot streak going on Wednesday.

Defenseman Luca Cagnoni pushed his point streak to three games with one goal and two assists across last weekend's contests, racking up his third multi-point performance in five games on Sunday. The San Jose Sharks prospect is up to seven points on the year.

Goaltender Jan Špunar earned WHL Goaltender of the Week honors with two sterling showings between the pipes. The Olomouc, Czechia native stopped 48 of 49 total shots and picked up his first career regular-season shutout in Sunday's 7-0 romp over the Americans.

Play of the Week:

You never forget your first! Hawks forward Hudson Darby picked up WHL goal #1 in his budding career on Friday with a seeing-eye shot from the left circle as Portland knocked off the Kamloops Blazers. The goal kickstarted a heck of a weekend for the Swift Current, Sask. native, as he followed it up with his second career strike on Sunday as well.

Weekly Rewind:

Portland 4 vs Kamloops 1 (Friday):

Four different skaters lit the lamp as the Winterhawks knocked off the Kamloops Blazers 4-1 for their fifth consecutive victory. Portland moved to 5-1-0 on the year with the win and posted its sixth straight game with four or more goals to start the season.

Portland 7 vs Tri-City 0 (Sunday):

The Winterhawks continued to cruise on Sunday as six different skaters scored in a dominant 7-0 win over the Tri-City Americans. Jan Špunar picked up his first career regular-season shutout with 22 saves as Portland picked up its sixth consecutive victory.

The Week Ahead:

The homestand wraps up Wednesday night with a cross-conference matchup against the Brandon Wheat Kings! Puck drop is set for 7:00 P.M. for this midweek melee before the team hits the road for an extended trip starting Saturday in Everett.

[BUY WEDNESDAY TICKETS]

With nine road games ahead, Wednesday is your LAST CHANCE to catch the CHL's #1 team before they return on November 17! And make sure you've got your WHL Live on CHL TV subscription handy to catch all the action as the Winterhawks visit the Central Division for the first time since the 2019-20 season!

Upcoming Promo Nights:

Friday, November 17 - Hometown Heroes Night - BUY TICKETS

Sunday, November 19 - Hawks Fight Hunger Night - BUY TICKETS

Saturday, December 2 - Fox12/KPTV Toy Drive - BUY TICKETS

Sunday, December 3 - Women of the Rose City Night - BUY TICKETS

Saturday, December 9 - Teddy Bear Toss - BUY TICKETS

Saturday, December 16 - Holiday Sweater Night - BUY 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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Western Hockey League Stories from October 17, 2023


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