The Portland Winterhawks knocked off the visiting, division-leading Everett Silvertips 5-2 in front of 10,095 fans at Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Saturday. It was Portland’s third win in a row after defeating the Victoria Royals in overtime 5-4 the night before and the Central Division leader Medicine Hat Tigers on December 4th, by a score of 5-3. Everett is first in the Western Conference and second overall in the league. They trail only the East Division leading Regina Pats.
Skyler McKenzie Brings Down The Teddies And Hats
Skyler McKenzie scored the fastest teddy bear toss goal in Portland Winterhawks franchise history. Just 2:31 into the first period, Skyler McKenzie poked it home and let the teddies fly. 16:54 into the 2nd period, McKenzie scored shorthanded for his second goal of the night, and then just 50 seconds into the third period, on the power play, he got his third goal and brought the hats down. In addition to the hat trick, McKenzie had one assist for a total of four points on the night and was awarded the first star of the game. In 32 games played, McKenzie has 40 points. His 40 points are split evenly with 20 goals and 20 assists.
Top Prospect for 2017
Cody Glass, who is expected to go early in this year’s NHL entry draft, had one assist for Portland. Glass has 16 goals and 29 assists for a total of 45 points in 32 games. LWOHP prospect guru Ben Kerr has said, “Glass has good hands, with the ability to stickhandle in tight spaces and make moves one-on-one. He protects the puck extremely well down low, extending plays and keeping possession. Glass is good in board battles, and could be even better as he adds some muscle to his frame. He also has the passing skills and vision to make his linemates better and put up points. He also has a decent shot and good release.”
Other Contributions
Brendan De Jong, Colton Veloso, and Oilers prospect Caleb Jones also had one assist each last night. Jones added to his point total for the season with three goals and 26 assists for 29 points. De Jong has 10 points this season, while Veloso has 14.
The Portland goals came from Skyler McKenzie and San Jose Sharks draft pick Joachim Blichfeld who netted it 8:17 into the second period also had an assist for two points on the night. He has 27 on the season with 11 goals. Former New York Rangers prospect Keegan Iverson scored 6:20 into the 2nd period and picked up three assists for a total of four points on the night. Iverson was awarded the third star of the game. In 30 games Iverson has 13 goals and 26 assists for 39 points.
Winterhawks goalie Cole Kehler was awarded the second star of the game saving 39 of 41 shots. Kehler has a 0.916 save percentage, a 2.84 GAA, and a 15-8 record this season.
Everett goals came from Patrick Bajkov and Matt Fonteyne with one assist each from Lucas Skrumeda and Kevin Davis while Dominic Zwerger had two himself. Goalie Mario Petit stopped 33 of 38 shots for Everett in the loss. In last season’s playoffs, Petit played in the first round in place of starting goalie Carter Hart who was injured. Last night was a bit of revenge after Everett swept Portland four games to none in those playoff. Hart wasn’t able to play because he was at Canada’s World Junior Selection camp along with fellow Silvertip, and Montreal Canadiens prospect Noah Juulsen.
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