Reece Newkirk has signed an Entry Level Contract with the New York Islanders. After a successful campaign this past abbreviated season, Newkirk can return to Portland for his overage season if the Islanders choose to do so. Newkirk was originally drafted in round 5 of the 2019 NHL Draft in spot #147. Reece had this to say on winterhawks.com:
“I’m just super honored and excited to sign my first NHL contract with the New York Islanders,” Newkirk said. “I want to thank my parents, my coaches, my teammates, billets and agents for everything they’ve done for me. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today and I’m super excited for my upcoming future with the New York Islanders organization.”
He joins other players from the Hawks organization who have been drafted to the Islanders Nino Niedereiter and Keifer Bellows.
Jaydon Dureau returns to the Syracuse Crunch on an ATO contract to keep his amateur status. Currently, the Crunch season is over, but the team with practices and so on will retain him during the “off-season.” Dureau is eligible to return to the Hawks for his overage year but could also go pro with the Crunch or their ECHL affiliate.
The Winterhawks gave out their awards on a virtual level once again this season. Here are the award winners:
Most Valuable Player(s): Simon Knak and Seth Jarvis
Leading Scorer Award: Jaydon Dureau
Rookie of the Year: Kyle Chyzowski
Scholastic Player(s): Mason Manneck and Ryder Thompson
Jann and Robert Boss Award for Defensive Player: Nick Cicek
Sportsmanship and Ability: Mason Mannek
Winterhawk Award: Kade Nolan
Portland Winterhawks Booster Club Memorial Award Fan Favorite: The Entire 2020-21 Team
