Winterhawks Weekly: Happy New Year Hawks Fans
Happy New Year from the Winterhawks! Since returning from the holiday break, the Winterhawks have won three straight games and are officially back in the CHL Top Ten Rankings with a 23-10-1-1 record.
Hot Hawks:
- Forward Kyle Chyzowski recorded points in three straight games, including a two-goal effort on December 28 against Seattle to surpass 100 career points. He co-led the Hawks with five points on the week.
- Forward Gabe Klassen was at it again with five points in his last three games, cementing himself at third place in WHL scoring. He and linemate Josh Davies enter the New Year with a team-high nine-game point streak.
- Forward Marcus Nguyen scored three goals this week, including the game-winning goals against Tri-City and Seattle. Nguyen ranks second on the Hawks with three shorthanded goal and registered 30+ points for his third consecutive season.
- Defenseman Tyson Jugnauth is averaging over a point-per-game during his time in Portland and he added a healthy four points in three games this week. The Kelowna, B.C. native scored his first career WHL goal on December 27 in Kennewick, Wash.
- Goaltender Nick Avakyan backstopped the Winterhawks to three victories against three different Western Conference opponents and he secured his first career WHL shutout on New Year’s Eve in front of 8,206 fans.
Play of the Week:
How can we not select the come-from-behind, overtime winner against Tri-City this week? The Winterhawks pulled their goaltender to erase a two-goal deficit with just over a minute to play and veteran forward Jack O’Brien worked his magic to find Marcus Nguyen who one-timed in the game-winning goal on the road. What a play! ⤵️
A goal worthy of the win 🔥
What a play in OT by Jack O'Brien & Marcus Nguyen! pic.twitter.com/p7NUfSzZVV
— Portland Winterhawks (@pdxwinterhawks) December 28, 2023
Just for fun, our very own Nick Marek brought the excitement for the overtime winner on the Winterhawks Audio Network:
Weekly Rewind:
Portland 6 at Tri-City 5 OT (Wednesday):
Portland’s offense was impressive in the return from the holiday break. A WHL first goal, a multi-goal night, and a come-from-behind effort. Wednesday’s game had a little bit of everything.
Portland 8 vs. Seattle 5 (Thursday):
Portland’s offense picked up right where it left off the night before and scored six goals in the first 25 minutes of the game to cruise to an 8-5 win on home ice against Seattle.
Portland 3 vs. Vancouver 0 (Sunday):
After scoring 14 total goals combined in the two previous games, the Winterhawks allowed only 14 total shots to Vancouver in the Hawks’ 3-0 win on New Year’s Eve in front of over 8,000 fans. Nick Avakyan recorded his first career WHL shutout and the Hawks celebrated the victory on the ice postgame with the best fans in the WHL.
The Week Ahead:
Who’s ready for more home ice hockey?
We’re back at the VMC for the third and fourth straight home game as we take on division rival Everett on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and then host Prince George on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. for a clash between two Top Ten CHL programs. We’re also helping to ‘Keep Portland Weird’ this Saturday during Where’s Waldo Night. Fans are encouraged to wear their Waldo costumes to the game! Check out local retailers and online shops (like Amazon) to purchase your costume before the big game.
Upcoming Promo Nights:
Saturday, January 6 – Where’s Waldo Night – BUY TICKETS
Saturday, January 13 – Pride Night – BUY TICKETS
Monday, January 15 – Kids’ Day – 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 against Seattle will now be played at Climate Pledge Arena, home of the Seattle Kraken! See you there!
[CLICK HERE FOR BATTLE ON THE SOUND TICKETS]
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