When you start a season at 2-6, it is often difficult to find a positive spin on anything. Add to it the uncertainty of players Igor Larionov II and Austin Gray, who have yet to suit up for the Portland Winterhawks this season, and a season ending injury to Carl Ericson after just three games, fans felt this could be a tough season. The remaining Hawks players felt otherwise and took their show to the US Division in a big way.
After posting wins that put them close to the elusive .500 mark, the Hawks took games versus Tri-City 5-2 and on the road in Everett by a score of 2-1. The Hawks were outshot in both contests, the one versus Everett was the most lopsided with the Hawks generating just 13 shots on goal and getting hammered by penalties. The six power plays by Everett were killed off, while Portland went 1 for 2 on their own power play, that being the goal that sealed the Portland win.
The previous game versus Tri-City, Portland again was having their back against the wall when the opponent scored first. Once again, the penalty kill was impressive with seven chances for Tri-City and only generating one goal; Portland was unsuccessful on their two power play attempts. Tri-City registered 52 shots to Portland’s 33 and it was goaltender Adin Hill who stole the show. Most fans felt in both games he was the number one star of the game, but only placed third against Tri-City. Adin placed number one in the Everett game.
Back to Portland to start off November against the Everett Silvertips, who by now must be sick of seeing the Hawks especially in another tight defensive struggle. Near the end of the first period, Everett was able to score with Brian King redirecting a Remi Laurencelle shot from the point past a semi screened Adin Hill to put Everett ahead. The second period was scoreless, though Portland had a few chances to tie it. Portland would tie it just 35 seconds into the third with a breakout pass from Caleb Jones to Keegan Iverson and using a fake to Jones, shot the puck high glove side and into the net. The momentum had shifted in the tie game and both teams used bone crunching hits to gain any advantage.
Portland then struggled midway through the game and couldn’t gain any traction in the Everett zone. Meanwhile, Everett was able to back the Hawks into their defensive zone and with just 53 seconds left on the clock, their inability to clear the puck from around the net allowed Cole MacDonald to stuff the puck past Adin Hill. Things got interesting with 20 seconds left as the Hawks were pressing in the Everett zone. With Adin Hill at the bench for an extra attacker, Dawson Leedhal took a slashing penalty and put the Hawks at a 6 on 4 advantage. Despite this, the Hawks could not reach the net and Everett snapped the now 5-game winning streak with a 2-1 win.
Earlier this week, Adin Hill was announced as both the WHL and CHL Goaltender of the Week. His two shutouts and 1.33 goals against average in three games took the top honors. In addition, Hill was also announced as one of the goaltenders for the Super Series vs. Russia November 9th in Kelowna and November 10th in Kamloops, representing the WHL. Carter Hart of Everett and Zach Sawchenko of Moose Jaw are the other two goaltenders for the 2-game series.
Portland takes the next five days off with games coming back to the Moda Center against former Memorial Cup contenders, the Kelowna Rockets, in a 2-night affair. Portland will then travel to Tri-City the following Wednesday and then play home and away games for the next week.
The Hawks will also be involved in two player appearances this week. Tuesday, four players will descend upon Burgerville (9385 SW Allen Blvd at Scholls Ferry from 5:30-7:30PM) and then three players will attend a meet and greet at Les Schwab (16650 SE Division Street from 4-6PM).
Ice Chips: The Portland Winterhawks Booster Club announced Adin Hill as the Booster Club Player of the Month for October. They also announced that they will take just one bus to the Alberta Central Swing, but that it will be a full one. With nearly 50 passengers headed on this trip, the Booster Club will look towards its next venture a little closer to home. They are looking at a day trip to Seattle in March.
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