Josh Mori signs with Portland

On Monday, the Portland Winterhawks announced they have signed defenseman Josh Mori, an eighth-round pick in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft.

Mike Johnston, Portland Winterhawks Vice President, General Manager, and Head Coach, has now signed three members of the most recent draft class.

Josh Mori (photo- csshl.ca)

Mori is currently playing with St. George’s School in the CSSHL where he has seven goals and 22 assists this season. So far, the left-shot defenseman has four games with at least three points and one game with a goal and three assists.

A native of Richmond, British Columbia, Mori stands five-foot-nine, 140 pounds in his 15-year-old season.

In an interview this fall at Portland’s training camp, Josh mentioned he “prefers to play the left side, but if asked, I can also play the right side.”

Mori described his style of play as more of an offensive defenseman.

“I like to go on the offensive while still staying back but enjoy getting up on the rush. As a smaller guy, I don’t always try to go for the big hit but rather maneuver around them and get the puck from them.”

Josh Mori (Photo- winterhawks.com)

For fans at Portland’s training camp, Mori did not participate in any Neely Cup games as he recovered from an upper-body injury.

Mori is also known for his skating ability which is a staple in how Mike Johnston likes his defensemen to operate from the back end.

The Winterhawks now have two 2004-born defensemen under contract — Ryder Thompson was signed in August.

Both Thompson and Mori will be eligible to play full-time next season.