Three Takeaways: September 17 Preseason Game vs. Tri-City

September 18, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Portland Winterhawks News Release

Kennewick, Wash. – The Portland Winterhawks wrapped up the preseason with a decisive 7-1 win over the Tri-City Americans on Saturday night. Five Winterhawks recorded multiple points in the road win.

GREAT FINISH TO THE PRESEASON

Lots of positives from tonight’s game and the preseason overall.

Kyle Chyzowski led all Winterhawks on the ice with three points today (G-2A) and finished second on the team with five points in the preseason.

“That was really big for us,” Chyzowski said. “Obviously it was a tough loss last night so I think the biggest thing was our response and I think we all, from the veterans to the rookies, did that tonight. All 20 guys showed up so I think we’re really happy with a team win tonight.”

Jonah Bevington, Luke Schelter, Diego Buttazzoni, and Carter Sotheran all also scored their firsts of the preseason today, showcasing the Winterhawks talent and depth in the offensive end.

Portland finished the game with a 42-21 shot advantage and went 2-0 in preseason play when out-shooting its opponent.

Overall, Luca Cagnoni finished tied atop the Western Hockey League leaderboard with seven points. Dante Giannuzzi led all Hawks goaltenders in the preseason with a 2.86 goals-against-average and .926 save percentage.

EXCELLENT SPECIAL TEAMS

Couldn’t ask for much better!

The Winterhawks started the game 2-for-2 on the power play, with a net-front goal by Bevington and a blue line wrist shot from Cagnoni. Robbie Fromm-Delorme and Carter Sotheran each netted third period, power-play goals to put the Hawks at 4-for-7 on the man advantage.

As we approached the end of preseason, we noticed a consistent power play combo of Cagnoni, Fromm-Delorme, Jack O’Brien, Marcus Nguyen, and Josh Zakreski and they were effective. Now, the Hawks are awaiting a few players to return from their respective NHL rookie camps, but you could expect to see those skaters seeing plenty of time on the Hawks’ power play unit this season.

The penalty kill was sharp again, finishing 5-for-5. Portland elected to roll three, sometimes four, penalty kill lines, allowing the coaches an opportunity to evaluate their best combos for the regular season.

“(Special teams play) is something you really want to have locked in coming into the regular season, so I think the coaches and us are really happy that we ended off like that and I think it’s going to lead right into the first game against Kamloops,” Chyzowski, who played on both the power play and penalty kill units tonight, said.

Special teams play is historically a strength for this team and it seems that could be the case again this season.

THE TIME IS NOW

No better time for a win.

As the Hawks prepare for their 47th season in the Rose City, the players are energized for what’s to come next week. The team will get a much deserved off day Sunday after 18 straight days of training camp, then two days of practice to start the week before they head north of the border.

“I think there are still a little jitters,” Chyzowski added in anticipation for next weekend’s games. “Kamloops is a big rival for us, but more-so we’re just excited to kick things off. I think we have a pretty good team this year so it’s going to be a fun one.”

That it is.

Not long after the season opener, the Winterhawks will play in front of a home crowd for the first time since the Neely Cup. Tickets for Pacific Office Automation Opening Night on Saturday, October 1 are available now and we’re excited to see you there!

• Discuss this story on the Western Hockey League message board…

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.