The Portland Winterhawks kicked off 2025 with three games in three days. First, they defended home ice on Thursday night with a 5-2 victory over the Spokane Chiefs. Then on Friday, a high flying match in Kennewick, Washingtion saw the Winterhawks earn a point in a 7-6 shootout loss to the Tri-City Americans. Lastly, the Wenatchee Wild came to Portland and defeated the Winterhawks 6-3. Here are three takeaways from Portland’s first three games of the new year.
First, Joel Plante was a huge pickup for Portland. The 19-year-old signed a WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement back on December 12th, and has had an immediate impact on the Winterhawks season. Plante earned the third star of the game against Spokane with a goal and an assist. Against Tri-City, Plante created five shots on goal. Then to wrap up the weekend, Plante scored his second goal of the season against Wenatchee. In total, Plante has six points through nine games, adding strong forward depth to the Portland lineup.
Secondly, Kyle Chyzowski is having a season to remember. Not only does Chyzowski lead the Winterhawks in points, but Portland’s captain leads the WHL in points. Against Spokane and Tri-City, Chyzowski earned a goal and six assists. Even in the loss to the Wild this weekend, Chyzowski was still 50% in the faceoff circle, and worth two shots on goal. Chyzowski has stepped up his game, and teams have to prepare for him when they play the Winterhawks.
Finally, The development of Jordan Duguay is something for Portland to watch. The 16-year-old from Edmonton had a pop-off performance against the Spokane Chiefs. On the first game of 2025, Duguay scored Portland’s first two goals of the game. Then, with a primary assist on Chyzowski’s 27th goal of the season, Duguay also earned the first star of the night. Duguay has had quiet nights as well. In the past two games, Duguay has only three total shots on goal. However, in a loss and shootout loss, Duguay has managed to avoid a negative plus/minus.
The Winterhawks start a six-game road trip over the next two weeks. Their first road game is against the Brandon Wheat Kings on Friday, Jan. 10. Puck drop at Westoba Place in Brandon, Manitoba, is at 7:00 p.m. CST.
Northwest Sports Desk 