Matthew Wolfe

New York Islanders select Portland’s Reece Newkirk

(Vancouver, BC) The New York Islanders selected Portland Winterhawks forward Reece Newkirk in the fifth round on Saturday afternoon with the 147th overall pick.

Newkirk joins former Winterhawks forward Kieffer Bellows in the Islanders’ system.

In his second season in the WHL, Reece scored 23 goals to go along with 36 assists in 68 games. He plays with an edge and is not afraid to get engaged in the physical play both before and after the whistle. Reece’s 88 penalty minutes are also a reflection of his ability to get under other player’s skin.

Reece Newkirk (Portland Winterhawks/Keith Dwiggins)

The Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan native was moved up and down the Portland lineup in 2018-2019. Head coach Mike Johnston often played him with signed NHL prospects Cody Glass (Vegas) and Joachim Blichfeld (San Jose). However, he also spent time with WHL rookies Seth Jarvis and Jaydon Dureau.

Newkirk showed he has the talent to produce offensively with anyone. His quick release surprised many goalies this season.

Johnston also used Newkirk on both the power play and the penalty kill, so Newkirk can play in all situations.

2019-2020 is going to be a season where Reece is asked to take on a large role in the offense with Glass and Blichfeld not returning. Forward Jake Gricius (61) and Newkirk (59) are the team’s top returning point producers.