Three games in three nights proved to be a tough test for a young Portland Winterhawks team already dealing with a depleted roster. With Max Psenick and Ondrej Stebatek away representing Czechia at the World Juniors, Bud Clarke and newly acquired Chase Cruz were tasked with handling the goaltending duties. Both Psenick and Stebatek are expected back in early January, leaving Portland shorthanded for several more games.
The stretch began in Spokane, with Bud Clarke getting the start in net. The Hawks scored two goals against the Chiefs in the first period. The opener came just 10 seconds in, a forehand-to-backhand attempt that slipped through Clarke’s five-hole and one he would likely want back. Spokane added a second later in the period after a wraparound attempt created traffic in front, giving the Chiefs a 2-0 lead after one.
Portland responded with an intense second period. An early goal by Alex Weiermair was waved off due to goalie interference, but the Hawks stayed on the attack. Reed Brown later took a pass and beat an outstretched Carter Eskir to get Portland on the board. Weiermair made up for the disallowed goal by circling the net and firing a shot off Eskir and in, tying the game at 2-2 heading into the third.
The third period unraveled quickly for the Hawks. Brody Gillespie scored twice, and Sam Oremba completed a hat trick as Spokane blew the game open. Portland managed a late goal from Reed Brown, his second of the night, but the deficit was too much to overcome in an 8-3 loss. Spokane held a narrow 32-30 edge in shots. The Hawks went 0-for-6 on the power play, while the Chiefs converted once on two chances.
Back in Portland, the Hawks faced the Penticton Vees, a close rival in the standings and a physical opponent.
The first of two games against the Vees was another difficult outing, with Chase Cruz making his debut between the pipes. Penticton struck early, as Matteo Davis scored to set the tone. The Vees added two more goals in the first 14 minutes, both on the power play, before Will McLaughlin gave Portland a spark late in the period. Down 3-1 after one, the Hawks could not stop the momentum. Penticton scored three straight in the second, including two more from Davis to complete his hat trick. The third period offered no relief, as the Vees added two more goals, including Davis’ fourth of the night, sealing an 8-1 loss. Shots were again close at 31-30 in favor of Penticton. Portland went 0-for-3 on the power play, while the Vees finished 2-for-5.
The following night was Teddy Bear Toss night, an annual holiday tradition that fills the ice with stuffed animals for charity.
Jordan Duguay wasted no time, scoring the Teddy Bear goal with a quick shot off the opening faceoff to give Portland a 1-0 lead. That score held through the first period. The Hawks carried their momentum into the second, with Nathan Free scoring early on the power play from just inside the blue line. Cruz looked far more settled in the net, making several key saves to keep Penticton off the board. Ryan Miller added another power-play goal after burying a cross-crease pass into an open net, giving Portland a 3-0 advantage.
The Hawks put the game away in the third period when Reed Brown accepted a pass and finished with slick stickhandling to make it 4-0. Penticton was unable to mount a comeback, and Cruz earned his first shutout as a Winterhawk. The Teddy Bear Toss total reached 14,588 toys. Shots favored the Vees 34-32, but Portland went 2-for-6 on the power play while holding Penticton scoreless on two chances.
Portland now heads back to Spokane for the annual Sugarplum Game, the final contest before Christmas. Often referred to as a coach’s nightmare, the game can be tricky as players’ minds drift toward the holidays, and mistakes tend to creep in.
Off the ice, the Winterhawks recorded nearly 3,300 toys donated during the recent FOX 12 Toy Drive, continuing a strong season of charitable giving.
The team also unveiled the new Glass Palace Club on the event level of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Built in conjunction with Mortenson Construction, the club features multiple 100-inch screens, an upscale food and beverage pregame experience, and space for corporate sponsors, Winterhawks alums, season ticket holders, and fans. Press conferences will be held there, and the club will be open during all regular season and home playoff games.
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