The Portland Winterhawks return home this weekend after six straight games on the road. All six of Portland’s opponents this trip reigned from the Eastern Conference. This was the only time the Winterhawks would play against these teams in the regular season. Overall, Portland finished with a record of 4-2, with notable wins against Saskatoon and the defending champions, Moose Jaw. With the points from this road trip, the Winterhawks now are tied for 4th place in the Western Conference with the Prince George Cougars. Here are three storylines that developed for Portland over the past two weeks.
First, Alex Weiermair had a fantastic road trip. Over the past six games, Weiermair tallied 3 goals and 4 assists. His best performances came against the Brandon Wheat Kings and the Moose Jaw Warriors. To start the trip, Weiermair scored the opening goal and game winning goal at Brandon. Then against Moose Jaw, Weiermair earned an assist, and another game winning goal. In both games, Weiermair was awarded first star of the game. The Los Angeles native now has 20 points in 18 games with the Winterhawks.
Secondly, Portland’s defensemen were finding the scoreboard. Tyson Jugnauth continues to impress, scoring 3 goals and 7 assists over the six game stretch. The Seattle Kraken prospect earned first star of the game against both Regina and Saskatoon, as well as second star of the game against Moose Jaw. Carter Sotheran and Ryder Thompson both scored two goals over the course of the trip. Sotheran also earned three assists, while Thompson finished with a plus/minus of +1. On top of that, Kayd Ruedig picked up his third goal of the season at Moose Jaw, giving the rookie 15 points on the year.
Lastly, Portland’s offense generates chances against the Eastern Conference. So far, the Winterhawks have played ten of the eleven teams in the Eastern Conference. Through those ten matchups, Portland has out shot their opponents nine times. The only game where the Winterhawks were out shot, was their last game of this trip, against the Swift Current Broncos. The shot total of that game was 38 to 35. However, the Winterhawks outshot Swift Current in both the second and third periods. The last team from the Eastern Conference on Portland’s regular season schedule, is the Medicine Hat Tigers. The Tigers travel to play in Portland on January 31st.
In the meantime, the Winterhawks return home Friday, Jan. 24, for their first home game in 20 days. Portland will prepare for a showdown against the Tri-City Americans, who sit five points back from the Winterhawks in the standings. Puck drop at Veterans Memorial Coliseum is at 7:00 p.m.
Northwest Sports Desk 