This week, the Portland Winterhawks had just one game due to a heavy October, so that game was on the road. As part of a six-game away schedule, they completed October with a match-up in Everett.
Things did not start well for Portland; three goals were given up just before the ten-minute mark through the fifteen-minute mark, including two goals on the powerplay, which gave the hometown Tips a commanding lead. It showed on the shot clock with Everett registering 15 shots and Portland just a single shot.
Rather than just fold up their tents, Portland clawed back. Dante Giannuzzi closed the door in the second period allowing no goals, and Cross Hanas used the powerplay to notch his fourth of the year and bring Portland within two. Portland edged Everett 12-9 in shots as they tried to take over play.
The third period saw another powerplay goal, this time from Tyson Kozak, and Portland was now within one. Portland battled back to tie the game with a goal just over ninety seconds from the completion of regulation by Clay Hanus and sent the game to overtime. Portland outshot Everett 14-8.
The overtime was all Everett with seven shots to none from Portland but saw the produce no goals from their barrage even with their powerplay. The game headed to a shootout. Only Clay Hanus scored for Portland in the first three rounds, but it was enough as Everett was unsuccessful during their three attempts and Portland skated away with a 4-3 shootout win!
This marks Everett’s first loss on the year, and despite the Tips picking up a point, they could not score two. This week, Portland now heads to the BC Division-leading Kamloops Blazers, with games against Kelowna and Vancouver as their first foray into BC.
The Hawks shored up their future in the net by signing Donovan Bodnar to a standard WHL contract. Bodnar, who appeared during the Winterhawks camp as one of two goaltenders winning the Neely Cup as part of team Hill, comes from a program that has produced Seth Jarvis, Dante Giannuzzi, Ryder Thompson, and Aidan Litke. He will continue to play a part in the RINK Academy in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Initially drafted by Portland in the seventh round of the Bantam Draft, he will be a vital cog as the team looks to the future.
Following practice this week, the players decorated ornaments that will play an essential role for the Portland Winterhawks Booster Club to raise funds for their Shop With A Hawk and other programs. Each of the players decorated and signed their one-of-a-kind ornaments, and a couple of team-signed ornaments. The people will get a sneak peek and vote for their favorite at the Tuesday, November 16 game versus Everett and begin bidding from Friday, November 19 through the first period on December 11 versus Spokane. The location will be entry GG at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum to vote and bid.
