The team on the swing came back to Saskatchewan with the most northern teams up to bat.
First off was Prince Albert, a team looking to make a little headway on their division standings.
After a tough loss in Brandon and a crushing loss in Winnipeg, the Portland Winterhawks were looking to get back on track.
The first period was scoreless, with both teams looking at trying to get the monkey off their back.
In the second period, Josh Zareski and Gabe Klassen, on the powerplay, put the Hawks up by two only to see their lead evaporate with two goals just over two minutes apart.
The third saw Kyle Chyzowski score shorthanded, and again Prince Albert came back to tie the game.
With just over two minutes left in regulation, Robbie Fromm-Delorme put the Hawks in the lead. With Prince Albert looking for the tie, they pulled their goaltender and had a couple of chances, but James Stefan banged home the empty net goal to give the Hawks a 5 to 3 win.
The Hawks outshot Prince Albert, and while both teams had three powerplay opportunities, only Portland could capitalize on one.
Portland then traveled 90 minutes south to Saskatoon to face a tough Blades team close to the fight with Winnipeg and Brandon in the Eastern Division.
Making only his second appearance in a Hawks uniform, Braeden Jackie’s scored his first as a Hawk. Saskatoon tied the game in the first and gave the Hawks fits. Robbie Fromm-Delorme put the Hawks up, and the battle began. It was late in the third period, and after a couple of attempts, James Stefan notched the empty net goal to give the Hawks a 3-to-1 win. Portland was outshot in the game 39 to 20, and powerplays saw Saskatoon pick up q goal on five tries, and Portland was blanked on three attempts.
Portland was busy at the trade deadline, with two players traded in separate deals.
First, Dawson Pasternak and a 4th-round pick in 2024 were dealt to Brandon for a 2nd-round pick in 2026, a 6th-round pick in 2025, and an unsigned prospect Colin Frank.
Portland then dealt Nick Andrusiak to Red Deer for a 7th-round pick in 2024.
The Hawks also offered conditional picks for the rights to Ozzy Wisenblatt should he be sent back from the AHL. A conditional 1st round in 2025 and 2nd in 2026 are available if Ozzy reports to Portland.
Portland also traded Donovan Bodnar and a 6th-round conditional pick to Everett for a 4th-round pick in 2024. Bodnar was in camp this past year and was the last goaltender cut before Jan Spunar returned to Portland.
Two games are left on the swing, with Moose Jaw on Friday and Regina on Saturday.
The Portland Winterhawks Booster Club was loud over the past four games on the swing and expects to be in full force over the next two games.
