This column was written by Kyle Martinak of PortlandSports.com, a partner of Oregon Sports News
As is the custom for a top-tier WHL team, the Portland Winterhawks have had a nasty opening week due in large part to the absence of their best and brightest. With the NHL prospects gone, their leadership responsibilities have fallen on younger and newer teammates. The two home losses so far stung—especially after raising the banners for the U.S. Division and Western Conference Championships we won last year—but there is a rising tide of talent filling out Jamie Kompon’s roster.
On the forward lines, we have scrappy young guys eager to impress the new coach/GM. Chief among the ones to watch is 16-year-old Skylar McKenzie (C). He was our eighth-round pick in the 2013 draft and played in five games last year. During his two games last week, McKenzie has embraced his wiry frame and agile skating ability; even during an explosive and physical opener against Seattle he was constantly battling in front of the net and along the boards.
Against Prince George he picked up two assists and drew a penalty for the opposition after being cross-checked into the net. He also found opening s for two breakaway scoring chances in a little under one minute. He is a playmaker, no doubt about it, and I hope to continue seeing him on the penalty-killing unit in the future.
Also showing us some heart and hustle on the forward lines are Ethan Price (RW) and Alex Overhardt (C), who both got time to shine during the opener. Seventeen-year-old Price pulled two quick interceptions to keep the Hawks alive on SOG during the break-neck second period, while Overhardt showed an aptitude for puck recovery in the neutral zone and on the forecheck.
Defense was a major concern for the Hawks coming out of the preseason, and I would argue that these two regular-season losses are the result. There’s work to be done, particularly in closing off the center lane and getting away from a dump-and-chase response to offensive pressure. Having said all this, we have some solid defense players, or at very least some tough ones. Oh, boy.
Josh Smith must have been a pugilist in a previous life. On opening night in the Moda Center he went to the sin bin with a smile on his face, having trounced Keegan Kolesar (RW) in one-on-one combat after the Seattle player attempted to rough up the Hawks goalie. Smith followed this up Saturday by getting into a somewhat-friendly scuffle with former Prince George roommate Sam Ruopp. Smith is looking to make a name for himself as the tough guy, and he’s succeeded so far.
I also wanted to give special mention to Adin Hill (G), who has been in the net for both regular season bouts. On paper, of course, Hill has given up 10 goals in two games but that’s up against a ridiculous combined 71 shots on goal. During all that activity, Hill has been twirling, flashing leather on glove saves, and spending (quite frankly) more time behind his net than a pro goalie ever should have to. I predicted a few weeks ago that Brendan Burke would have to get something spectacular done in order to keep his post, and Hill is the proof of that.
The lines will be changing drastically once some of those prospects come back, but I’m glad there are players worthy of Portland’s support waiting to take their places once the pro league sings its siren song. Now if only we could buckle down on defense with these younger guys, we could draw our path to that five-in-a-row title that Portland hockey fans are starting to clamor for already.
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