Sugarplum Nightmare – Portland Winterhawks Fall 9–2, Honor Beloved “Gags” Before The Break

Sugarplum games are aptly named. They’re the final contests before the holiday break, and they often get a little wild.

After taking a pasting from Spokane just a few days earlier, the Portland Winterhawks were looking to redeem themselves in their final game before Christmas.

It was not to be.

Whatever transpired in the locker room did not carry over to the ice, as the Hawks fell 9–2 in Spokane.

Portland was behind almost immediately, surrendering the first goal just over a minute into the game and two more by the 13-minute mark. Reed Brown finally put the Hawks on the board just over 18 minutes in, but Spokane responded with authority. The Chiefs rattled off five goals in the second period, chasing starter Cruz Chase after Spokane’s sixth tally. Blake Clark came on in relief and surrendered three goals of his own.

Tyson Yaremko scored for the Hawks on an early power play in the third period, but Spokane had the final say, sealing a seven-goal pummeling in the 9–2 loss.

If there was a silver lining, it came on special teams. The Hawks did not allow a power-play goal, though Spokane had only one opportunity with the man advantage and did manage a shorthanded goal. Portland went 1-for-4 on the power play and was outshot 42–28 on the night.

Now comes the holiday break.

The Hawks return to action on December 27, opening a home-and-home series with the Tri-City Americans, followed by a New Year’s Eve matchup with the Everett Silvertips. That game will feature an early 5 p.m. start, allowing fans to enjoy a postgame skate and still catch the New York ball drop. Portland then opens the new year with a three-games-in-three-nights stretch: a road game in Wenatchee followed by home games against Vancouver and Wenatchee.

Death is always difficult, and it is especially so near the holidays.

We were saddened to learn that Rob Gagne, known locally in the hockey world as “Gags,” passed away in his sleep on December 17, 2025. Gagne joined the Winterhawks during the sweeping revamp led by Bill Gallacher, who helped salvage the franchise following two brutal seasons known as the JJJ era. Serving as the team’s equipment manager, Gagne came to Portland from the Adirondack Red Wings of the AHL and quickly won over the hearts of the Hawks’ faithful.

Though his tenure lasted just three seasons, Gagne left an indelible mark on the organization and its people. After his departure, Mark “Peaches” Brennan stepped into the role as Gagne returned home to be closer to family. He later opened a skate shop near his hometown and remained the same dependable, well-liked person everyone knew him to be.

On behalf of everyone at Oregon Sports News, we wish you a wonderful holiday season. Be safe, and we’ll see you in the New Year.