Where the Portland Winterhawks land in the final Western Conference standings might well be determined in the East.
The Winterhawks departed Wednesday for a six-game swing through Alberta. Their visit to each Central Division arena figures to be critical given that Portland currently holds the eighth and last playoff position in the Western Conference. The Winterhawks begin the trip just four points ahead of Tri-City for the final playoff slot — and only four back of second-place Seattle in the division.
Portland coach Jamie Kompon is approaching the trip — with the six games played over nine days — like a playoff series. “And we’ve got to come out ahead on the ledger,” he said.
In recent seasons, the Winterhawks have made their one eastern swing early in the season. Kompon said he would prefer an early trip, but said the timing of this trip might be a positive. He notes that last season’s 4-2 Eastern swing helped catapult the Hawks to a solid regular season. A similar result could create momentum as the playoffs near, he said.
Winterhawks captain Dominic Turgeon said he is excited for the trip.
“Any chance to play that much, I love. So I’m excited for this trip. And to be able to do it with a family like our group of guys is unbelievable,” Turgeon said.
The longest travel stretch was the 12-hour bus ride from Portland to Lethbridge. The team will use Calgary as a home base for much of its stay in Alberta.
“I love a road trip like this,” Turgeon said. “You’re constantly with the guys. You do everything together. You’re like a family, which is great.”
Winterhawks
This week: At Lethbridge, 6 p.m. Friday; at Medicine Hat, 6:30 p.m. Saturday; at Calgary, 6 p.m. Tuesday; at Edmonton, 6 p.m. Wednesday; at Red Deer, 6 p.m. Feb. 26.
Last week: Beat Everett 3-2; lost to Seattle 6-5 in OT; beat Victoria 2-1 in OT.
Where they stand: At 29-25-3-0 (61 points), the Winterhawks are in fourth place in the U.S. Division. They are tied on points with Spokane, but the Chiefs have one game in hand. Portland is four points back of second-place Seattle, two points behind Spokane and five points back of second-place Seattle. The Hawks are currently in the final playoff spot, four points ahead of Tri-City.
Jones is OT hero: Defenseman Caleb Jones scored his second overtime winner of the season in Monday’s 2-1 home win over Victoria. Jack Dougherty set up the odd-man rush with a pass to Dominic Turgeon, who found Jones in position for the finish.
That winner came less than 48 hours after Jones’ had an overtime goal at Seattle overturned upon review. The Thunderbirds won in the final second of OT. Jones was tripped on that play, with his glove knocking the puck into the net. Portland coach Jamie Kompon said the replay officials made the correct call on that play.
Bukarts day-to-day: Rihards Bukarts did not play on Monday against Victoria with an upper-body injury. Kompon listed Bukarts’ status as day-to-day.
Bittner update: Kompon said that forward Paul Bittner, out since mid-December hip surgery, will begin skating this week. There is no timetable yet for Bittner’s return.
Booster club trip: A group of 50 Winterhawks fans boarded a bus on Thursday to follow the team on its swing through Alberta. Winterhawks Booster Club president Stuart Kemp, a Vancouver resident, said that in addition to the games the trip will include shopping and visits to tourist sites including the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in Red Deer. About a dozen of the fans making the trip are from Clark County.
Vancouver Rangers
This week: Visit the Missoula Maulers for games Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Last week: Swept three games from visiting Butte, winning 4-3, 6-5 in OT and 8-2.
Where they stand: At 28-13-3 (59 points), the Rangers are seven points behind second-place Missoula in the Northwest Division of the Western States Hockey League, and 12 points behind the first-place Idaho Junior Steelheads. The Rangers are six points ahead of fourth-place Southern Oregon.
Dramatic wins: Last Friday Paul Frys scored the winner with less than six seconds on the clock in a 4-3 win over visiting Butte at Mountain View Ice Arena. Martin Cierny had a goal and two assists on the night, including a go-ahead goal late in the third period and an assist on the winner.
In Saturday’s 6-5 win over Butte, Simon Uppman scored the winner in overtime off an assist from Frys, who had two goals and two assists.
Seven Rangers scored goals and eight had assists in Sunday’s 8-2 win. Brandon Aab had two goals and two assists and Wyatt Wildman four assists.
Free kids clinic
A free introduction to hockey clinic for kids 4-9 will be held Saturday at Mountain View Ice Arena in Vancouver. The clinic runs 8:15 to 10 a.m. To learn more, contact Jason Hirt, jasonhirt@gmail.com or 360-896-8700.
