Evan Weinger had to have the date circled for some time. It was the one time that his new team, the Brandon Wheat Kings would be rolling into Portland and taking on his former squad, the Portland Winterhawks.
Weinger was a victim of the numbers in Portland as the Winterhawks could only keep three players born in 1997 and after Colton Veloso was dealt, Weinger was one of four left.
The choice was a tough one as Weinger had scored 20 goals and added 18 assists for 38 points in 62 games in 2016-17. It was also not one that he was totally expecting.
“I was not sure what was going to happen. They were pretty quiet about what they were going to do. I was not too surprised. I really wanted to be there but I’m happy where I’m at now and playing good hockey,” Weinger said.
Weinger made the most of the opportunity to play against the squad he suited up 187 times for in the regular season and 30 times in the playoffs over four seasons.
He scored twice but his Wheat Kings still fell 4-3 to the home-standing Winterhawks.
“It was nice to play my last game in the Moda Center. It was not the result that we wanted though. I wanted to go in there, win the game and put on a performance. It was good to be back and have my friends and family and my girlfriend there to support me.”
Weinger’s first marker even got some members of the home crowd cheering as they saluted a player who put up 89 points for them over the years and brought them to their feet with many a breakaway opportunity created by his speed.
“I heard them on the first one a little bit and they probably were not too happy on the second one. I knew who was cheering for me. I was happy that they were here to support me. It was a fun game in general.”
Weinger had to make the adjustment to playing in a city much different from those he resided in while growing up and then playing in Portland.
“I think we had a game a couple weeks ago. It was a Sportnet game. I think it was colder in Fahrenheit than it was in Celsius. That was a different experience for me. I walked out my front door and my face was burning. I really like it here. It’s been a good experience and has gotten me out of my comfort zone a bit. It makes me a little tougher.”
Weinger has fit in well in Brandon. He has 23 goals and 19 assists for 42 points in 42 games, while firing 103 shots on net. He has had the pleasure of a great group of fans and a city that had welcomed him in.
“There is a lot of hardcore fans up there in Canada. It’s good to have a lot of fans that know the sport so well cheering for us. They are really supportive which has been nice.”
Weinger knew his overage season was a big one as he remains undrafted and unsigned by an NHL team. He did get an extended stay with the L.A. Kings over the summer and took some things away from his time there.
“Just discipline on and off the ice. Taking care of yourself and be consistent. I’m really trying to carry consistency in my game this year. I want to play fast and physical, make plays and score goals consistently. ”
The fact that the Kings have signed his former teammate Cole Kehler, as well as Seattle Thunderbirds defenseman Austin Strand this year, is not lost on him.
“I’m motivated. They were having good years and teams are obviously watching. I just need to keep on doing what I’m doing and hopefully I will get an opportunity.”
Weinger is getting that opportunity and his five points over his last four games is a strong sign that he just might find his way into a pro deal soon.
