U.S. Division

Winterhawks Wednesday: Where We Are So Far

Written by Lizz Child on

Well, here we are, December.

Was anybody thinking that the Winterhawks would be sitting in the bottom half of the Western Conference standings? Perhaps a few of you saw this coming, considering the roster is missing so many pieces from last season. However, hope is far from lost. Each game, this team moves one step closer to righting the ship and regaining their dominance. With plenty of top-grade talent, the Winterhawks are not a team you should be counting out, especially not in December.

Captains everywhere

I don’t know about you, but I’m glad this team has such a strong group of leaders. So much so that there are eight (yes, EIGHT) of the 23 players given leadership roles.

 

Clay Hanus and Tyson Kozak were named co-captains with a group of home and away alternates, including Jonas Brøndberg, Robbie Fromm-Delorme, Jaydon Dureau, and Cross Hanas Gabe Klassen, and Kurtis Smythe; the Portland Winterhawks are in good hands.

If you notice a name missing from that list, Kade Nolan was traded to the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2023. This trade came as Dureau’s return put Portland over the maximum three overage players as Nolan, Dureau, Hanus, and Brøndberg were all born in 2001.

Players to watch

Tyson Kozak – “I personally think that Tyson Kozak is the best center in the league that I’ve seen this year. He’s shut down Sourdif in Vancouver, he’s shut down Dach twice. He can play head-to-head with anybody. I think he’s the best center around right now for 200-feet.”

Mike Johnston had some high praise for the forward following the shootout win against Kelowna on November 19th, and you know what? I haven’t been given a reason to argue against him. Keep an eye on Kozak as he continues to roll through this season. Oh, and with his co-captain status being announced yesterday, he added just one more reason to watch his next few outings.

Dawson Pasternak – Following the November 20th game against the Kelowna Rockets, Pasternak mentioned that he gained some new linemates and what they are working for each game.

“I’m playing with some new linemates in [Tyson] Kozak and [Jaydon] Dureau, and those guys are so so good, so out on the ice, I’m just trying to find what’s going to work for all of us together and build a little chemistry. I’m just working really hard to do the best I can for them and for myself too.”

I’ve been saying it all season, but make sure to keep an eye out for the Winnipeg native every time the Winterhawks take to the ice.

Dante Giannuzzi – You knew he was going to be on here. Do I really have to explain myself here? Yes? Okay. Scorpion kick save in the shootout. Also, just the fact that his performances have been improving as the season has gone on. The first goaltender to claim a win over the division-leading Everett Silvertips this season, he is still the starting goaltender and is not looking to let that go any time soon. Honestly, if I haven’t convinced you to watch this netminder over the last two years, then I don’t know what else to say to you.

Lochlan Gordon – That being said, you can’t leave Gordon out of the conversation. He’s been holding his own in net for the Winterhawks this season. He’s impressed just a bit more throughout each performance this season and was the goaltender in the net for Portland’s first win of the season. He will continue to show off his talent and make a name for himself in this division. It’s just going to be our luck to sit back and watch.