After winning 10 consecutive games in Spokane dating back to February of 2009, the Portland Winterhawks dropped consecutive road games to the Chiefs. First came a 4-3 loss on Saturday. Next came a 9-3 loss on Wednesday that was the worst margin this season.
Portland has now lost five of its last six games. Coach Mike Johnston emphasized before the season the importance of winning early in the season. The Winterhawks did that, winning 21 if their first 27 games. Because of that, they still have a 13-point lead over their closest rivals in the Western Conference.
The good news is that Portland (22-8-0-3, 47 points) plays five of its remaining seven December games at the Rose Garden. The Prince George Cougars visit for games tonight and Saturday.
Saturday’s 7 p.m. game is the popular Teddy Bear Toss promotion, and the team is projecting a sellout. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets in advance, and to bring a stuffed animal to the game and throw it on the ice when the Winterhawks score their first goal.
The players will later give the stuffed animals to patients at area hospitals and to local charities.
The games against Prince George will feature three of the top six picks in the 2010 National Hockey league draft. Portland’s Ryan Johansen (Columbus) and Nino Niederreiter (New York Islanders) went fourth and fifth, respectively, and the Cougars’ Brett Connolly was the sixth pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Connolly has 36 points this season. The Cougars had just 12 wins last season, but already have 15 this season.
This weekend’s games will also feature two of the WHL’s top rookies. Portland’s Sven Bartschi (19 goals and 42 points) leads WHL rookies in scoring. Second in rookie scoring is Prince George defenseman Martin Marincin.
Showcase for Jags
The River City Jaguars are in Spokane this weekend for four games over three days against teams from the Northern Pacific Hockey League America West Division.
The NORPAC Showcase is the only time this season teams from the league’s east and west divisions will meet. The tournament is also designed to give scouts a chance to see all of the league’s players.
Games will be shortened to two 25 minute periods. Several River City players will be part of a Showcase team that will play against three of the America West Division teams.
The Jags are scheduled to play at noon and 8:30 p.m. today, at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Fans should be able to watch the games online. Visit the team’s web page for details, http://rivercityjaguars.pointstreaksites.com/view/rivercityjaguars.
The Jaguars, in fourth place in the Pacific Division (9-14), will hold their teddy bear toss during the Dec. 17 game at Mountain View Ice Arena against Southern Oregon.
