On Saturday night, the Portland Winterhawks found their way to their first win of the 2021-22 season.
After losing their home opener to the Seattle Thunderbirds last Saturday, the Winterhawks got their revenge as they headed home the victors from Seattle’s home opener.
Following Friday night’s shutout loss at the hands of the Everett Silvertips, Winterhawks Senior VP/GM/Head Coach Mike Johnston had said he loved big tests early in the year. His team then supported his sentiment by bouncing back Saturday and claiming a statement win in Seattle.
The season is still young.
It's time to see what our guys are made of. 😤 pic.twitter.com/VBrrMMHp8H
— Portland Winterhawks (@pdxwinterhawks) October 9, 2021
Perhaps this is the game that we can all look back at as the season’s turning point for the Winterhawks, who may still see the return of Seth Jarvis within the next few weeks.
Noteworthy in net
Rookie goaltender Lochlan Gordon impressed as he claimed his first WHL win in his first WHL start. The 18-year-old netminder held Thunderbirds to just two goals on 30 shots.
Meanwhile, on the other end of the ice, Thomas Milic did what he could on behalf of Seattle, stopping 34 or 37 shots, but fell just short of the victory.
Portland’s special teams appeared to be clicking once again as they capitalized on two of their three powerplay opportunities while keeping the Thunderbirds off the scoresheet when on the penalty kill.
Shorthanded five times throughout the game, the Winterhawks took six penalties and continue to look to lessen their average penalties per game as the season rolls on.
Game-winning first goal
For Portland, forward Luke Schelter scored the first goal of his WHL career. The Colorado native spent six games with the Winterhawks as an affiliate player last season. He joined the club full-time for the 2021-22 season, and fans have been patiently watching for his first goal. Luckily, he and those who were fortunate enough to see the game were rewarded as his first in the WHL stood to be the game-winner.
Coming up next
The Thunderbirds return to action Friday, October 15, as they host the Everett Silvertips for the first time this season. Everett has started play just as hot as they spent all of last season. It won’t be an easy win for either side, but Seattle will have a fight on their hands if they want to walk away on top.
On the middle frame of a three-in-three weekend, the Winterhawks look to return home and claim a victory in front of a home crowd for the first time since March 8, 2020. They will play host to the Spokane Chiefs for the first time this season. Both the Winterhawks and Chiefs are looking for something to prove after rocky starts to their seasons. The puck drops at 5 pm PDT at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
