WHL Announces Weekly Award Winners
September 26, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
WINTERHAWKS FORWARD KLASSEN NAMED WHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Portland Winterhawks forward Gabe Klassen has been named WHL Player of the Week for the week ending September 25, 2022.
The 19-year-old veteran forward recorded six goals in two outings this past weekend as the Winterhawks claimed back-to-back road victories over the Kamloops Blazers and Kelowna Rockets to open the 2022-23 WHL Regular Season.
Klassen started the weekend with a two-goal effort Friday, September 23, logging the game-winning goal with a power-play effort 1:34 into a 3-0 win over the Blazers. In addition to his two goals on eight shots, Klassen was successful on 11/19 faceoffs (57.9 per cent) and was named the first star of the game.
On Saturday, September 24, Klassen recorded his third-career hat trick with a four-goal performance. Once again, he opened the scoring – this time converting a penalty shot 5:11 into the first period of play. He added his fourth goal of the campaign in the second period, before striking twice in the third period to help the Winterhawks erase a 4-2 deficit en route to a 6-5 overtime victory. Klassen once again went 11/19 (57.9 per cent) in the faceoff circle and was named the first star of the game.
Through one week, Klassen leads the WHL in goals (6), points (6), and first goals (2).
Prior to the start of the WHL season, Klassen attended training camp with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.
The 5-foot-10, 176-pound product of Prince Albert, Sask., is in his fourth WHL campaign after being selected by the Winterhawks 19th overall in the 2018 WHL Draft. He set career highs for goals (33), assists (31), and points (64) during the 2021-22 season. In 119 career WHL Regular Season games, Klassen has registered 96 points (54G-42A).
Following a two-game B.C. Division road swing, Klassen and the Winterhawks return to Portland for the Club’s home opener on Saturday, October 1 (6 p.m. PT) when the Tri-City Americans visit Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
BLADES GOALTENDER ELLIOTT NAMED WHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Saskatoon Blades goaltender Austin Elliott has been named WHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending September 25, 2022.
The 18-year-old rookie posted a record of 1-0-0 with a 0.92 goals-against average and .960 save percentage this past weekend, as the Blades secured two wins over their rival Prince Albert Raiders to open the 2022-23 WHL Regular Season.
The product of Strathmore, Alta., made his first appearance of the campaign Saturday, September 24, notching 24 saves on 25 shots as the Blades edged the Raiders in overtime by a 2-1 margin. The 6-foot, 154-pound puckstopper was named first star for his efforts.
Through one week, Elliott leads the WHL in GAA and sits second in save percentage.
Elliott, originally a 12th round selection (261st overall) of the Blades in the 2019 WHL Draft, has appeared in three WHL contests, going 2-0-0 with a 3.62 GAA and .892 save percentage.
The Blades return to action Saturday, October 1 (7 p.m. MT) when they host the Swift Current Broncos at SaskTel Centre.
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