Winterhawks Weekly: Hawks Move to 3-0-0 After Win in Home Opener
October 3, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Portland Winterhawks News Release
After opening the season on the road, the Winterhawks returned to the VMC for the Pacific Office Automation Home Opener and continued to roll, topping the Tri-City Americans 4-2 on Saturday night.
Hot Hawks:
Forward Gabe Klassen stayed hot with his WHL-leading seventh goal on Saturday. His seven points (7G, 0A) also rank second among all WHL skaters.
Forward James Stefan returned to the Winterhawks from the LA Kings’ training camp and flourished in his season debut, opening the scoring and adding an assist in his first WHL action.
Forward Robbie Fromm-Delorme mirrored Stefan with goal and assist on Saturday, and the 20-year-old boasts points in every game this year (1G, 3A).
Forward Luke Schelter scored for a second consecutive contest, netting the game-winner against the Americans. It’s the first time Schelter has lit the lamp in back-to-back games in his WHL career.
Defenseman Luca Cagnoni picked up two assists, marking his second straight multi-point game. The top 2023 NHL Draft prospect ranks tied for seventh among all WHL blueliners with four points (1G, 3A) on the year.
Goaltender Jan Špunar made his WHL and North American debut on Saturday, stopping 21 of 23 shots to pick up his first victory as a Winterhawk.
Play of the Week:
The game-winner on Saturday was the perfect example of team play as four different skaters combined for a goal. Marek Alscher showed off his NHL-caliber hockey sense with a stretch pass to Jonah Bevington at the far blue line, who evaded a defender with a spinning pass to Robbie Fromm-Delorme, who drew in another defender at the left side of the net before dishing off to Luke Schelter for a tap-in. Well played, boys!
Weekly Rewind:
Portland 4 vs Tri-City 2 (Saturday):
Hockey returned to the Rose City with a flourish as four different skaters scored to lead the Winterhawks to a 4-2 win over the visiting Tri-City Americans on Saturday night. Portland’s Jan Špunar picked up 21 saves for his first WHL win in his first start.
The Week Ahead:
The Hawks are back on home ice this Saturday, Oct. 8, for Oregon Zoo Night against the Medicine Hat Tigers!
Fans can learn more about the Oregon Zoo and its partnership with the Winterhawks on the VMC concourse at this Saturday’s game. The Oregon Zoo will also be featured heavily during the game’s interactive elements: Zoo staff members will participate in tricycle races and the sounding of the “Storm Warning” siren during intermissions, and special Winterhawks x Oregon Zoo stuffed animals will be sold in the team store and tossed into the crowd during the “Three Stars” presentation. Click here to learn more about the Winterhawks x Oregon Zoo partnership!
On Sunday, the Winterhawks hit the road again for a divisional showdown in Spokane. Puck drop against the Chiefs is set for 5:05 P.M. on Sunday evening, and you can follow along on WHL Live or Evoca TV!
Upcoming Promo Nights:
Saturday, October 8 – Oregon Zoo Night
Saturday, October 15 – Hawktoberfest
Single-game tickets are now on sale for the 2022-23 season! Purchase your single-game tickets today and secure your seat at the Pacific Office Automation Home Opener on Saturday, October 1.
Season Ticket Memberships are the best way to catch ALL of the action, including the same great seat to all 34 Winterhawks games at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, or grab a 20-Game Plan for more flexibility while still enjoying a guaranteed 20 nights of excitement!
Want more options? Flex Packs offer ultimate ticket versatility, with packs of vouchers sold in increments of 10 or 34 for you to go solo to all of the games, or bring a few friends to a handful of games! Just want to be there for the big ones? Check out our Theme Packs, the best way to enjoy fan-favorite promo nights, huge rivalry matchups and more!
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