February 2013 - Booster Club

Booster Club
A 501 (c)(3) Charitable Organization
HAWKEY TALK - FEBRUARY 2013
Presidents Message
Editor’s Notes
As I write this, we are just five regular season games
away from moving onto the playoffs. Where did the time
all go? We have had the great fortune of having not one
or two, but three great fan trips so far this season and we
have one left to go. Including the last trip, we'll have hit 6
different arenas and traveled about 2200 miles. The
scenery on the trips has been spectacular, the weather
has been the most cooperative that I can ever recall and
the wins keep racking up.
As this newsletter is issued we have seen three of the
four Fan Bus Trips take place with exceptional remarks
from travelers and many memories for years to come.
With the last Fan Bus Trip to Seattle closing on February
18, 2013 you have today and Monday’s Daylight Classic
to get on board. Many thanks to Stuart Kemp for the past
few years planning and executing these trips. If you have
never been on a Fan Bus Trip you will want to take one
next year, even a day trip is well worth the friendships
made in support of our Portland Winterhawks Team.
Overall the success of the trips has been amazing and
the friendships and bonding that have come out of these
trips will last a lifetime. Despite some people's physical
limitations, everyone worked together to pull off the
success of the trips and it was great to see everyone
work together. Terry, our driver, has been the rock of the
road. Since we brought him on board a couple years ago,
he has been able to get us where we need to go, when
we need to go and has truly become a member of the
Booster Club family.
I have to talk a bit more about the recent Canadian trip.
Over the past few years, we've run a trip to Canada to
destinations just across the border like Chilliwack and
Vancouver. Last year we expanded to Victoria for a
couple of days, and this year, we pulled off the most
adventurous trip so far to see Kelowna and Vancouver,
with an AHL game thrown in the middle. With 1200 miles
roundtrip in four days with four games, it meant some
longer travel, but a lot of fun times.
The Kelowna rink was all it had been promoted to be. The
fans were great, the atmosphere was fantastic, but it was
the Operations that set it all apart. The disabled were
able to get incredible treatment and we were able to bring
our bus close in and load people straight into the venue
each night. Kudos to Anne Marie Hamilton, Gavin
Hamilton and staff member Jerry for making us feel
special. On the last night, a Kelowna fan, who we'd met
the night before, brought a gift for every Booster Club
member in attendance and some even got an additional
gift as well.
Continued on Page 3
As I write this note we had a loss to the Tri-Cities
Americans, why, I don’t know. But, I do know that “you
just can’t win them all.” The game comes with highs and
lows; but, I have no doubt that these boys will get right
back on the skates after tonight's fall. It happens to the
best of the best; and that we are!
I just cannot believe that we are winding down the regular
season and we are about to embark on to the playoffs. It
is certain to be a wild ride to the Western Hockey League
Championship. Then hopefully on to the Memorial Cup.
The Booster Club will have its nominations meeting
tonight Saturday, February 16 and on Sunday, March 17,
we will have our elections. Please come out and support
your Booster Club by being nominated and/or voting for
next year’s slate of board members. We have had
tremendous growth in membership over the past five
years. Thank you for making your club a success!
I would like to entertain your comments as to how you
enjoy the HawkeyTalk Newsletter each month during the
season. Are there other types of articles you would like
to see? If you have any comments please contact me at
[email protected]. I want this newsletter to be
useful, enjoyable and entertaining and your suggestions
and comments would be appreciated. Thank you
John Fisher, Editor (Pro-Tem)
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
http://www.pwhbc.com
Page 1
Winterhawks Player Appearances
Les Schwab: Sep 14, Oct 17, Nov 7, Jan 16 and
Feb 13 (Venues TBD)
Burgerville: Oct 22, Nov 26, Jan 14, Feb 4 & Mar
4 (Venues TBD)
Dates, Players and Venues Subject to Change, please
check at the Booster Club Table for updates!
#28 - BRENDAN LEIPSIC
JANUARY 2013
PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Booster Club Meetings
2012-13 Hockey Season
Saturday, October 20 - RG - Courtside Club - 5 pm
Saturday, November 17 - RG - Courtside Club - 5 pm
Saturday, December 15 - RG - Courtside Club - 5 pm
Monday, January 21 - VMC - US Plywood - Post Game
Saturday, February 16 - VMC - US Plywood - Post Game
(Nominations Meeting)
Sunday, March 17 - RG - Courtside Club - 3 pm
(Elections Meeting)
ALL TIMES AND VENUES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
2012 - 13 Board of Directors
Remember to Vote for the 2012 - 2013 players!
Ballots are located at the Booster Club Table every month
President - Stuart Kemp
Vice President - Holly Thorpe
Corporate Secretary - John Fisher
Treasurer - MaryEllen Brown
Corresponding Secretary - Cathy Kemp
Sgt at Arms - Ron Spencer
Board Member - Caroline Thurston
Board Member - Gina Acosta
Board Member - Mike Thurston
Board Member - Richard Thomas
Board Member - Elke Thomas
Board Member - Pat Thorpe
SPECIAL NOTE
Player of the Month nominations for February 2013 will be
on February 18, February 27 and March 5
Donald D. Ickes Most Popular Player of the Year
nominations will be February 18, February 27 and March 5
CONTACT INFORMATION
Portland Winterhawks Booster Club (PWHBC)
Post Office Box 6768
Portland, Oregon 97228-6768
~FAN BUS TRIPS ~
This season we have been to Everett, Seattle,
Tri-Cities, Kelowna, B.C., Abbotsford, B. C. and
Vancouver, B.C. in four Fan Bus Trips.
Come join us next season and enjoy the ride,
friendships, scenery and games … rooting on
the best team in the CHL as of this date.
“THE PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS”
Email: “[email protected]”
Twitter.com - “PWHBC”
Facebook.com: - “Portland Winterhawks Booster Club” and at
“PortlandWinterhawks BoosterClub”
At All Home Games Staff Are Available at the Booster Club Table
Page 2
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE (Continued from Page 1)
The hotel staff treated us very well, had us on the readerboard both nights and we felt right at home. Getting the
four points and snapping Kelowna’s 23 game home
streak didn't hurt either. It was cool to do a radio interview
that was broadcast back to Portland and the response
from the fans to it here in Portland was very positive.
Heading to Abbotsford, we traveled in beautiful weather
through the Coquilhalla Highway, a majestic route that in
poor weather is near impossible to travel, but in great
weather, offers a spectacle that defies description. We hit
sun and above freezing temps at 6000 feet and the tops
of mountains followed us for miles.
In Abbotsford, they had reserved us a space for the bus
and a meet and greet with former NHL star, Stanley Cup
Champion with Montreal and now President of the
Abbotsford Heat, Ryan Walter. Mr. Walter signed copies
of his latest book, offered our group photos and the
chance to hold the Stanley Cup ring he won. He had
great comments about Portland Winterhawks coach Mike
Johnston and wishes for more players like Sven
Baertschi. It truly was fun.
We have a team signed replica jersey for the end of the
season program winner and one more for those who sign
up to be a Booster Club member before the end of the
playoffs. We'll have a few stick raffles and more, so sit
back, strap yourself in and get ready for a wild ride
through the 2013 playoffs!
This is the final print edition for the season as we gear up
for the playoffs. The end of the playoffs, we'll gather up
all our correspondents and make one wrap-up electronic
edition for online readers which you can download and
print.
Our elections come up at the last regular season game
and I know we will have a good representation on the
board for the coming season. Make sure you come to our
last regular season meeting pregame on Sunday, March
17 to cast your ballot and have your say on ideas for next
season!
Stuart Kemp
President
The following day was the first day it rained on our way to
Vancouver, but it didn't dampen our spirits. The travel
home was nice and easy with little precipitation and an
arrival very close to schedule.
I mention this story because it is a little bit of everyone
and everything that makes these trips work so well.
Popchips supplied some great snacks for the road, plus
we had a few other treats. Thanks to the Team Store for
providing some prizes for the bus trips this year and
Thank You Lonna Marshall, Pat and Holly Thorpe for
providing the bottled water for the trips. Our last trip to
Kent to see the Seattle Thunderbirds is practically sold
out which makes this the most successful trip season that
I can recall.
CANADA BOOSTER CLUB TRIP 2012-13 SEASON
As the regular season comes to a close and the playoffs
begin, we'll be looking to what is available for next season
and who knows where our adventures will take us.
We've just started the renewals and new sign-ups for next
season and we hope to establish yet another record for
membership. Over 520 joined this past year and the goal
is to vault well past that. We hope that you tell fans in
your seating area about the Booster Club and invite them
be a part of us. The more the merrier I say!
The raffles will be coming to a close on Sunday, March
17. We will be drawing for the Hossa Brothers game
worn, framed jerseys and someone is going to have the
opportunity to own them both.
Continued next column
Former Winterhawk Jason Trott and our own Ty Rattie in
Vancouver, British Columbia
Page 3
By Todd Vrooman, Radio Announcer and Broadcast Communications
Manager for the Hawks. Catch him with Andy Kemper bringing you the best
of Portland Winterhawks hockey on the radio…
What a 2012-13 season the Hawks have had. Portland enters
this weekend with an opportunity to clinch a U.S. Division
pennant this weekend, and will almost certainly have it sewn up
in the next week or two. This will be the Hawks’ second division
pennant in the last three seasons, and the 12th in franchise
history. The Hawks will have won 2 out of 3 for the first time
since winning back-to-back division titles in 1996-97 and 199798. The Hawks are also in contention to be near the franchise
records for both wins and points earned in the regular season.
The Hawks won 56 games in 1980-81, earning 113 points in the process. This
season’s group is on pace for 58 wins and 120 points, which would break both records
that have stood for more than 30 years in this franchise’s history. This would come
just 5 seasons after the lowest win and point total in franchise history in 2007-08.
One reason the Hawks are pushing to etch this year’s iteration in the record book is
due to the amazing record the Hawks have had on the road. The franchise record is 24
wins on the road, set in 1980-81 and 2010-11, with both of those teams accumulating
49 points. This season, the Hawks have earned 23 wins and 48 points already, with 8
away games still to play. The Hawks will likely break the franchise record for wins on
the road in the next couple of weeks, with one player in particular really standing out in
away games this season: Ty Rattie. After being held off the score sheet for the Hawks
in the first 3 away games of the season, Rattie has gone on a 22 game point streak on
the road since October 6th, recording 52 points in those 22 games. During that time
he’s recorded two separate 4 goal games on the road, racking up 22 of his 35 goals
this season on the road. Combine that with the fact that Brendan Leipsic has had a 13
game assist streak on the road, and it’s easy to see why opposition defenseman cringe
when they see Leipsic, Petan, and Rattie line up across from them in road games.
Rattie this season is averaging 1.79 points per game, slightly ahead of his 1.75 per
game of a season ago when he led the Hawks with 121 points. He’s adjusted quite well
to life without Sven Baertschi I’d say.
The Hawks have been playing the last month and a half without having Derrick Pouliot
being a stalwart on the Hawks’ blue line like he has the last couple seasons. Not many
teams could survive being without a top-10 NHL pick on their blue line for the better
part of two months, but that’s what the Hawks have had to do this season. Shaun
MacPherson has been a tremendous steadying addition for Portland in Pouliot’s
absence, with 2 goals, 6 points, and a plus 9 rating in 18 games this season. With
Pouliot within a couple weeks of returning to the Hawks’ lineup, Portland is in an ideal
position to be firing on all cylinders both offensively and defensively when the
postseason starts on March 22nd and 23rd in the Rose Garden. Be sure to buy your
playoff tickets now, as the Hawks are prepared for another deep run in the WHL
playoffs. I, for one, can’t wait.
Page 4
FEBRUARY 2013
Linda Allen
Ashlynn Barrett
Justin Batty
Jo Bittner
George Brintnall
Daniel Brown
Jay (John) Brown
Roberta Brown
Joe Buehner
Kayla Buehner
Kaeda Camarillo
Alison Campbell
JoAnne Carpenter
Elizabeth DeDell
Roxanne Funk
Jacob Ham
Randall Hansen
Jacinta Henkels
Brian Howson
Sheryl Huiras
Meghan Johnson
James Littlejohn
Bob Masters
Marilyn Masters
Corey McCadden
Jeff Miller
Lisa Miller
Dianna Monteith
Jackie Palmer
Jay Petrin
Scott Petterson
Sherri Rathbun
Erin Schaefer
Kayla Schmid
Erin Siel
Richard Thomas
Bryan Tieken
Jan Vandervort
Sarah Vranizan
MARCH 2013
Linda Barbee
Rachelle Barrett
Arlie Brown
Donielle Brown
Dave Burger
Lyndel Burris
Mike Caldwell
Jim Croker
Kiri Daufel
Laura Dennis
Bill Dickens
Sam Gurule
Justin Hageman
Julie Hankins
Jefferson HendersonBates
Continued on Page 12
Lawrence Herdman
Jesse Holcomb
Grace Howson
Tegan Jennings
Kennedy Johnson
Chelyn Joseph
Sara Kammerer
Hayden Klinas
Teri Kuffter
Stuart Lidberg
Alvin Lockhart
Neree Lowenstein
Diego Martinez-Griffin
Paul Minner
Jenna O’Connor
Carol Patrick
Shane Pearson
Danielle Perry
Alan Poland
McKenna Prinslow
Brad Robinson
Hunter Salyers
Doug Snader
Cameron Steiger
Ray Taber
Mike Thurston
Sue VanDolah
Dillon Waddington
Marshal Waddington
Joe Wargo
Brian Wiedeman
APRIL 2013
Jordyn Acosta
Brittney Anderson
Sandy Anderson
Jodi Buehner
Thomas Cannon
David Cop
Mary Cridhton
Kim Cutts
Tom Daufel
Katie Dennis
Elaine Dibble
Michael Hall
Marc Ham
James Henkels
D’Andre Horton
Amy Hughes
John Johns
Grant Joseph
Mary Lanxon
Kenneth Moore
Elaina Ott
Katie Poland
Jim Rathbun
Joshua Sims
Chelsea Spanier
Matt Spanier
Colin Thurston
Kayla VanDolah
Mat Waletich
Linda Waliser
Rhanda Zigler
MAY 2013
George Brown
Kelcy Brown
Kevin Brown
Kody Brown
Marian Brown
Susan Cantin
Tom Cauthers
Sharon Church
Courtney Crawford
Brock DeLetts
Ted Deli
Sylvia Espinosa
Kathie Freund
Donna Goddu
Alvin Harsch
William Hatch
Pinna Grace Henkels
Cami Jelleff
Emma Johns
Johnny Johns
Mike Johnson
Janet Journey
Don Kingsborough
Daniel Koberstein
Jim Majorowicz
Rhianna Miller
Hung Nguyen
Kayla Olsen
Carol Patrick
Trevor Petersen
Austen Potter
Julie Privette
Robert Rolfe
Carol Rout
Chris Settell
Ronald Spencer
Steve Steiger
Jamie Varblow
Caitie Welch
JUNE 2013
Maggie Allee
Debbie Anderson
Marlin Binder
Stacey Boggs
Paula Browning
Wallis Connolly
Peggy Dale
Patti Degerness
Erin Durst
Malcolm Freund
Dayna Gabriel
Kira Gawlak
Meagan Hageman
Ruth Hander
Ryan Hards
PJ Herdman
Nicole Hoffman
Matt Hughes
Scott Jackson
Robert Jennings
Jenny Johns
Drayson Kammerer
Cathy Kemp
Stuart Kemp
Kevin Kerwin
Dawn Larson
Brent Littlejohn
Keith Lynch
Samantha Lynch
Rick MacWilliams
Michelle Maddux-Robinson
Meredith Masters
Macy Maul
Jason Mitchell
Greg Moon
Lomoar Muth
Denice Neddo
Morgan Olsen
Lisa Osadchuk
Drew Scott
Josh Settell
Page 5
THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTOR ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER AND COACH
TRAVIS GREEN
Booster Club Newsletter - February 2013
As coaches, we try to instill in our players a mentality that no regular
season game matters more than the next. The “one game at a time”
line is a cliché, but it’s what we believe. It’s important for our players
to keep an even keel and respect all of our opponents, regardless of
the standings.
But I have to admit that the two games we played in Kelowna earlier
this month had a much bigger feel than most of the 72 regular
season games we play.
With playoff meetings in the last two years, we’ve developed a good
rivalry with the Rockets, and we went into their building knowing they
could pull close to us in the standings. And with standing room-only
Coach Mike Johnston crowds at both games, there was a definite buzz going in.
Coach Travis Green
So I was extremely proud of our team being able to go in and win both games in those circumstances. Those wins gave
our players a great deal of satisfaction, and were a great character-builder.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Booster Club who took the time to make the trip to
Kelowna for those games. It’s a long way to travel to come watch us play, and it was incredibly exciting for us to come
out onto the ice and see a big group of Winterhawks fans in enemy territory so far from home. We don’t take that kind of
commitment for granted, and we’re grateful for your dedication.
Many of you were in Vancouver as well for our Monday afternoon game against the Giants, a game that Brendan Leipsic
and Nic Petan each reached the 100-point plateau.
Both Brendan and Nic have surprised a lot of people this season with their play, but both players deserve a lot of credit
for working hard and making adjustments in their games.
During his first two seasons Brendan played an extremely physical game, but suffered several injuries in doing so. We
instilled in Brendan the mindset that he can do more damage with his offensive game than by initiating contact, and the
results speak for themselves.
With Nic, he struggled at times last season making the adjustment to the WHL, as so many 16-year-olds do. At the end
of last season we sat down with Nic and outlined the work we wanted him to do in the offseason to come back strong,
and he did everything and more. Nic got stronger, improved his skating and worked tirelessly over the summer, and it’s
paying off even more than we could have imagined.
As smaller players, Brendan and Nic have always had to prove people wrong, and in many cases those types of players
possess the most drive and determination. They understand they have to work even harder than most other players, and
they both embrace the challenge and are a great example for other players.
As I write this, we have just 15 games remaining in the regular season, and I’m very pleased with how the team is
playing, and when we get Derrick Pouliot back in a few weeks it’ll provide us with another boost.
This team has faced a lot this season, whether the situation back in November, players leaving for tournaments or
injuries, but the way they’re able to focus on their jobs is something we’re very proud of, and that focus will serve the
team well in the playoffs.
Page 6
By Samantha Meese
The Face Off Spot: Thanks for the Memories
It’s hard to believe that the regular season is more than half over, and
harder still to believe that our three overage players will soon be leaving us.
It seems like they just got here. As they prepare for the final month of their
final regular season and their final playoff season, I took time to reflect with Troy Rutkowski, Taylor Peters
and Mac Carruth on their time here, their memories of Portland and their plans for the future.
Always a Winterhawk: Troy Rutkowski
In his rookie profile, Troy Rutkowski described the excitement of scoring his first WHL goal (an OT
winner on a road trip), his school subjects (math, English, chemistry and gym) and what advice he’d give
young players about the WHL: “hard work, don’t let anyone say you can’t or won’t play here one day.” He
knows whereof he speaks: Troy went undrafted in the WHL Bantam Draft, and here he is today, the team’s
37th Captain who recently set new franchise record for total games played and consecutive games played,
having played all five of his WHL seasons with the Winterhawks. Talk to him today, and you’ll find many
parts of that undrafted rookie still intact:
On his biggest on-ice lessons: Consistency and hard work. Off of it: hard work and professionalism.
His favorite memories of Portland: “It’s been a pretty good team through the years. And the fans are the
best in the league for sure.”
His favorite game(s): Game 2 against Kootenay, when fans literally blew the roof right off the Rose
Garden as the team roared back to tie and very nearly win the game. “I couldn’t hear Joe Morrow, and he
was standing right next to me.”
Attention NHL: On what’s next; “Hopefully, I’ll keep on playing hockey.”
What he would tell up and coming Winterhawks players about playing here: You guessed it…“work
hard and always have a positive attitude.”
The starting center for your Portland Winterhawks…number 25, Taylor Peters
I must admit to feeling more than a tad sentimental when I hear Norris announce that, because I know it
won’t be long before we won’t hear it anymore. But before Taylor leaves us to play professional hockey,
write the great Canadian novel or whatever else the future may bring, here’s what he had to say about his
time as a Winterhawk.
Biggest on ice lesson: “Never cut corners.” Off ice?: “How to sleep on a bus.”
Favorite memories of Portland: Winning the Western Conference titles. And yes, he thinks
they have a good shot at a third one this year.
Continued on Page 8
Page 7
THE FACE-OFF SPOT (Continued from Page 7)
These are a few of his favorite games: The Moose Jaw game when he scored in OT (January 3, 2012) and
Game 6 of the WHL finals in 2012.
I dreamed a dream: But it didn’t include the most embarrassing song on Taylor’s iPod; the entire soundtrack
from the current Les Miserables film in theatres.
Note: For those not familiar with Les Mis, “I Dreamed a Dream” is one of the musical’s signature songs. And
if you ask him, Taylor tells me he could probably recite the lyrics to that and all the other songs on the
soundtrack.
On the future: It includes the letters HL. Like Troy, Taylor hopes his future includes playing professional
hockey.
What goes up must come down. And go back up again: Taylor would tell today’s up and coming
Winterhawks to “stick with it. There are highs and lows in this business; don’t let the lows slow you down and
use the highs as fuel to get better.”
You can’t handle the Truth
As in Mac Carruth, who played his first game with the Winterhawks on November 21, 2009 in Vancouver. In
the final week of the 2009-2010 regular season, Mac was named the CHL Goaltender of the Week. On
January 9, 2012, in the midst of his fourth season with the Winterhawks, he set the new franchise record for
career victories at 106. That record had stood for 30 years. Mac has been adding to that record in the past
month, and it’s a good bet his record will stand even longer than Darrell May Sr’s. But before he goes, here
are a few parting thoughts from the Winterhawks’ most victorious goalie.
True story: His biggest lesson learned on the ice is “don’t fight.” Really.
His favorite memories of Portland: Being with the boys.
Favorite game: 2012 Playoffs, Game 7, Kamloops. A timeless classic.
Most embarrassing song on his iPod: If ever you should have some reason to purchase a gift for Mac, may I
suggest a Miley Cyrus CD.
On the future: As a signed NHL prospect, Mac is looking forward to playing in the AHL next year.
And finally, one more thing before they go:
Great minds think alike: The one thing they all want as they head into the
conclusion of their junior hockey careers? “To win it all.” We second that.
We hope you had the time of your lives: On what he’d tell up and coming
Winterhawks about playing in Portland, Mac said “have fun, it goes by
quick.” And so it did for Troy, Taylor and Mac. Along the way, they
learned how to sleep on long bus rides, won a snow cone machine at Big
Al’s, broke a few records, blew the roof off the Rose Garden and won a few
shiny things. So thanks for the memories boys. We hope you had the time
of your lives. I know for sure that we did.
Page 8
ROOKIE PROFILE
PRESTEN KOPECK
By Samantha Meese
The math: Presten signed with the Winterhawks two days shy of his 17th birthday on January 24, 2012. He played last
season with the Lloydminster Bobcats of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, where he posted 11 goals and 19 assists
for 30 points in 56 games. He added one assist in three playoff games with the Bobcats. He joined the Winterhawks
following the AJHL season and traveled and practiced with the team throughout the 2012 playoffs. Presten was
originally drafted by Portland in the third round of the 2010 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft, 60th overall. Thus far
this season, he scored his first two WHL goals 25 seconds apart en route to racking up nine goals and 8 assists for 17
points in 51 games played.
*Source: Winterhawks.com/roster
My take: Presten is a well spoken, thoughtful and polite young man who I suspect will come on strong in the playoffs
and even more so in his second season. In the meantime, here’s what he had to say about Portland, what’s playing on
his iPod and of course, The Bachelor.
What do you think of Portland so far?
It’s a really nice city. The people are really nice. It’s a good community to live in.
What has been the biggest change, challenge, or difference in transitioning to the WHL?
The size of players; they are stronger. It’s a lot more physical.
Are you attending a local high school?
I go to my high school online.
Now that you are here in Portland, what are your goals for this season?
To get drafted, and to win the Memorial Cup.
What are your favorite things to do in your free time when not attending school, practicing, etc.?
Sleep, play video games, go the movies, hang out with the guys and shop.
Do you go back home in the off season? And if so, what types of things do you do for fun in the off season?
I train every day and I like to go to my aunt’s farm, where I go biking and spend time outdoors.
Now for the goofy stuff... what was your favorite cartoon/TV show growing up?
Looney Tunes.
What is the most embarrassing song on your iPod?
“Baby” by Justin Bieber.
What was the last movie you saw, and how would you rate it?
Side Effects. It’s really good.
After your playing days are over, would you rather coach or become a ref (or something else)?
Farming or something with agriculture.
Who was your favorite NHL player?
Jonathan Toews.
What’s the one thing you would tell kids playing hockey, on what it takes to get to the WHL?
Never take anything for granted and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. And if they do, use it as motivation.
Are you watching the Bachelor along with your teammates? If so, who do you like, who’s in, who’s out, etc.?
I’m not watching it…it’s not really my type of show.
Page 9
FORMER PLAYER PROFILE – ROBIN BIG SNAKE
He started with Vancouver Giants in 2001-02, was traded to Moose Jaw in 2002-03 and came to Portland in 2003-04
for 54 games. He played 2 games in 2004-05 before he was waived through the league and headed to Owen Sound
Attack in the OHL, where he played 48 games before turning pro. Even though he was here such a short time, Robin
had a tremendous impact in Portland. And now, for his letter to the Booster Club …
Hello Winterhawks Booster Club,
I wanted to first start off by saying things are going great now, but it was a little rough at first since I've left the game
that I truly loved, HOCKEY.
I'll start off when I left the Winterhawks and went to the OHL. It was an amazing experience to play along side names
like Bobby Ryan, Brad Richardson who last year won a Stanley Cup, Theo Peckham, Bob Sangenetti, Mike Angelidis,
and Paul Bissonette (most known for his twitter account biznasty). He was my roommate and such a great guy; the
team there was awesome. The coach was an intimidating old fighter named Mike Stothers who I loved as a coach, but I
think to this day he had a few screws missing... HA HA! He was a real hard nose guy who had a great coaching style
and knew how to break his players down to how he wanted them to play.
After Owen Sound, I went to the Detroit Red Wings camp where I skated along side my childhood hero, Brendan
Shannahan and even went for supper with him one evening which was super exciting.
I ended up not getting signed by Detroit, but they said in the last meeting I would be back.
I went to their AHL team in Grand Rapids and had an amazing camp and to my surprise, never got signed. The
assistant coach came to me later and said it was a contract thing and he had seen potential in me. I assumed it was all
smoke and wanted to prove them wrong.
So, I went to the UHL where they had an awesome group of guys and a good coach named Steve Martinson. I had an
amazing season with 30 goals and 20 assists with 420 pims. I wanted to make the next level in the AHL. To my
surprise, I was getting passed over and guys were getting called up before me until we played the Muskegan
Lumberjacks the #1 team in the league and I scored 4 goals 2 assists. I then got a chance in Milwaukie for the Admirals
and played Grand Rapids. To my surprise. I stayed in the AHL for the last two games of the season and was sent back
to the UHL.
That summer, Claude Noel called me and made sure I came to camp ready because I would be playing, but with the
signing of Kelsey Wilson I was pushed back down to the UHL.. It was the last time I'd see the AHL because it’s easy to
get lost in the minor league pro leagues. I played in Rockford for the Icehogs and Muskegon Lumberjacks and a few
more years but then retired in 2008.
A lot of my old teammates and fans of the hockey world have heard I was in a tragic accident which is a tough situation
that I deal with on a daily basis, but I don't want to talk about. Through prayer and traditional healing I am doing better
these days.
I am currently engaged to my long time and best friend Jamie-Raye Gordon and planning our wedding in May 2013.
We now have an amazing smart daughter named Phoenix-Rayel Big Snake (her mom had no say because I was
making her take my Big Snake name) :-) She is such a little doll and being a tough guy as I was... I mean am, she
brings me such amazing happiness and Joy.
For the past 2 years I have worked in Fort MacMurray, Alberta, Canada in the Oil Sands for a Company called The
Bouchier Group at the CNRL Horizon site. I'm currently doing my firefighting training and will be a fire fighter in the oil
sands soon.
I really do miss hockey and most of all, the great people you meet along the way. The billet parents and most of all the
excitement of the crowd especially in the Rose Garden :D You guys are amazing fans and sorry for the delay on this
letter, I am a busy man.
Continued on Page 11
Page 10
FORMER PLAYER PROFILE - ROBIN BIG SNAKE (Continued from Page 10)
If I can say anything to the players on the team now it would be "enjoy the experience you're blessed to have and
never take it for granted. A lot of kids look up to you and before you know it your looking back wishing you could do it
all over again... ". What an amazing experience it was there in Portland, Oregon.
Thanks for taking the time to read my rant.
Take care and good luck to the Portland Winter Hawks and the Booster Club.
Robin Big Snake
Coda (Robin’s Nephew), Robin and
Phoenix
Family Portrait Robin Big Snake, Jamie
Raye and Phoenix
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PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS VIEWING PARTIES
McGillicuddys located at NE 111th Avenue & NE Halsey Street, Portland (21 and Over only)
Sportspage located at 8590 SW Hall Avenue, Beaverton (21 and Over only)
On Selected Dates Away Game Viewing with the Booster Club will be at:
Kenton Station located at 8303 N. Denver Avenue, Portland (All Ages Welcome). The Booster Club
will be in attendance at Kenton Station with fun and prizes.
_____________________________________________________________________________
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NEW THIS SEASON
SHARPIES for AUTOGRAPHS: Now available at the Booster Club Table Embossed Booster Club Logo Pens,
these are perfect for getting those favorite autographs, $2.00 each.
BOOSTER CLUB APPAREL: Come by the Booster Club Membership Table to view and order this year’s Booster
Club Apparel, while supplies last. Remember, Hockey is a “winter sport” and the apparel is geared for the
winter season. As the season progresses the selection of sizes decreases, so order early.
FREE MIKE J T-SHIRTS: Available while supplies last. $10.00 each. Available sizes are S to 2XL. Sorry 3XL are
sold out. Contact the Booster Club Table and show your support for the team and Coach Mike Johnston.
PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS PROMOS
SAT, FEB 16 - GREAT AIRPLANE TOSS
MON, FEB 18 - PRESIDENTS DAY MATINEE
FRI, MAR 17 - MASCOT NIGHT
FREE MIKE J T-SHIRTS
Pat Thorpe, Stuart Kemp, Former Mayor of
Portland, Oregon, Sam Adams and MaryEllen
Brown
___________________________________________________________________________
BIRTHDAY’S (Continued from page 5)
Carrie Shifflette
Brian Spence
Alexandra Stoner
Carol Trevino
Mandy Trimmer
Jonah Varblow
Peg Vrooman
Margaret Waletich
Leroy Whiteside
Marilly Wiese
Page 12