Over the course of Friday and Saturday, the 2021 NHL Entry Draft was the focus of hockey fans around the world. For fans of junior hockey, it is one of the most significant days of recognition for their favorite athletes.
It may have taken a few hours, but three Portland Winterhawks got the call of their dreams on Saturday afternoon.
Simon Knak
Simon Knak was the earliest of the three, selected by the Nashville Predators in the sixth round, 179th overall. On the Winterhawks’ roster, Knak finished first in goals scored and second in points throughout the 24 game season. He posted 16 goals and 29 points and had a standout season in his second year in the WHL. Entering the season with a bit of a chip on his shoulder after he didn’t hear his name called during the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Knak set out on a mission. Asking for more time on the penalty kill, he was given the opportunity and ran with it. He finished second in the WHL in shorthanded goals (3) and, night after night, proved that his team could trust him with any assignment. The Swiss-born forward added another three goals on the powerplay, with ten more coming at even strength. All of this, and the Portland right-winger took just three penalties throughout the WHL season.
Prior to the WHL’s return early this year, he spent 25 games with HC Davos of the Swiss National League.
Knak joins former Winterhawks forward Ryan Johansen in the Predators’ organization.
Simon Knak is the 4th @pdxwinterhawks player selected to the Preds…joining Seth Jones, Brendan Leipsic and Taylor Aronson. https://t.co/KNbUEVo2x4
— Andy Kemper (@AndyKemper) July 24, 2021
Tyson Kozak
A handful of picks later, forward Tyson Kozak was selected by the Buffalo Sabres at 193rd overall. The Winterhawks center finished the season with 11 points in 18 games over the shortened season. Of his three goals this past season, one came on the powerplay. Earning himself more trust and a heavier workload throughout the season, he did everything he could to garner scouts’ eyes, and it paid off. He looked much more confident in his abilities and was a significant asset on the ice in each of his season’s appearances.
Similar to Knak, he spent time in the MJHL with the Dauphin Kings as he waited for the WHL to return to action.
Kozak joins former Winterhawk defenseman Henri Jokiharju in the Sabres’ organization.
Ryan McCleary
Those following this season’s draft did not have to wait long to learn the name of the next Winterhawk on his way to the NHL. Just one pick after Kozak, Ryan McCleary‘s name flashed on the screen as he went to the Pittsburgh Penguins 194th overall. The 2021 season was McCleary’s rookie season in the WHL. Born on September 9th, 2003, he was eligible for this years’ draft by just six days. He drew some eyes and impressed throughout the year and did enough to earn himself a spot on Pittsburgh’s wishlist. With seven points in his first 18 games, watch for this young defenseman to impress over the next few seasons.
Just like many of his Winterhawks teammates, McCleary spent time with another team before the WHL season began. The Yorkton Terriers of the SJHL happened his stop as he prepared for his Portland debut.
The last time two @pdxwinterhawks went back-to-back in @NHL draft?@RyanJohansen19 and @thelnino22 4th and 5th overall in 2010.
Gary Yaremchuk and Kevin Griffin went 24th and 25th overall in 1981.
Ed Cooper and Glen Ostir went 85th and 86th overall in 1980.
— Andy Kemper (@AndyKemper) July 24, 2021
Still waiting… for now
A few notable names fans did not see called over the course of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft include Dante Giannuzzi, Jack O’Brien, Robbie Fromm-Delorme, Gabe Klassen, and James Stefan. However, this just means there will be even more Portland Winterhawks talent ready to be selected next year. There are also often invites granted to undrafted players, and they may spend some time at NHL teams’ rookie camps this summer.
