December 2015 - Booster Club

Booster Club
A 501 (c)(3) Charitable Organization
HAWKEY TALK
NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 2015
Presidents Message
Editor’s Notes
As we approach the holiday season, I am reminded of
why the Booster Club exists, what it does and I am surprised each year by the incredible outpouring by the
membership. The Booster Club is an incredible gathering place for people to talk and live their love of hockey
and to give back to the players who give so much both
on and off the ice. A few thanks are in order.
As you know the newsletter comes out at the end of each
month during the hockey season, that said and realizing
that the holidays are concluding … We hope that
Everyone has had a Wonderful Holiday Season, a joyous
Christmas and a Safe and Happy Prosperous New Year.
First off, I would like to thank all the volunteers from the
Booster Club board who tirelessly and without complaint, show up anywhere from 2 to 4 hours ahead of a
game, to set up tables, get the programs ready and help
run what is arguably the most well rounded Booster Club
table setup in the entire WHL. Many times, visiting team
staff and even their Booster Club members and board
representatives stop by our tables in absolute awe of the
magnitude of what we do for hockey fans. That is a true
testament to our membership who support us at every
home game.
Second, I would like to thank the Portland Winterhawks
Hockey Club for providing us with opportunities to promote our events such as Shop-With-A-Hawk, Keeping
Portland Warm and the annual Food Drive. Their assistance in the Shop-With-A-Hawk and Keeping Portland
Warm resulted in more time for the kids with the players
and marked increase in donations for the Sunshine Division for clothes and other warm items.
Most importantly, I'd like to thank the members and even
those who aren't members, but stop by the table to purchase tickets for raffles and other general merchandise
or participate in our fan trips. Indeed, the player gift bags
were incredible again this season with so much that we
were afraid the bottoms of the bags would fall through.
In all seriousness, it shows incredible thoughtfulness
and care for these young men who night after night,
head out to entertain us. We had enough bags after the
players, that we gave one to our Coach, Assistant
Coach, Trainer and Equipment Manager. We also had a
little bit left over that we gave to the game night operations staff. Thank you again!
Continued on Page 3
The out-pouring of donations towards the Shop-With-AHawk program this season was absolutely heartwarming
and a real blessing to the children, the parents and
especially our boys who have taken the time-out from
their very busy schedule to serve the community and
make so many children very happy. It was contagious! A
special Thank you to Y-O-U for making this project a
major success and impacting our hockey community in
such a positive way. Once Again Y-O-U have shown that
“Hockey Is Family!” Thank you!
As we look forward to the second half of the hockey
season there are some special dates to “Meet and Greet”
members of the team … As provided by the Hawks
Office ...
Thursday, December 31st (New Year’s Eve Skate Party)
Tuesday, January 5th, 2016 - 5:30 to 7:30pm a
Burgerville Event - Location TBA
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 4:00 - 6:00pm Les Schwab @ Vancouver Cascade Park (216 SE 118th
Avenue, Vancouver)
Sunday, January 24, 2016 - Season Ticket Holder Meet
and Greet Party (A Ticketed Event for Season Ticket
Holders and 20-Game Ticket Holders) Invitations sent in
the mail. Additional tickets are not available.
Monday, February 1, 2016 - 5:30 - 7:30pm another
Burgervell Event (Location TBA)
Monday, February 8, 2016 - 4:00 - 6:00pm @ Les
Schwab Sellwood (2500 SE Tacoma Street, Portland
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
http://www.pwhbc.com
Page 1
Booster Club Fan Bus Trips
(PLEASE CALENDAR THESE DATES)
CANADA CALLING - CENTRAL SWING
TEN DAYS OF HOCKEY AND SIGHTSEEING FUN!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016
thru
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016
SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS (DAY TRIP)
SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2016
Subject to Change,
please check at the Booster Club Table for updates!
2014-15
DONALD D. ICKES MEMORIAL TROPHY
MOST POPULAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Booster Club General Membership Meetings
2015-16 Hockey Season
Board Members @ 4:00 pm
General Membership @ 4:30 pm
Saturday, October 3, 2015 MC Everett
Saturday, November 7, 2015 MC Kelowna
Saturday, December 12, 2015 VMC PG
(Board: 3:00 pm Members: 3:30 pm)
Saturday, January 9, 2016 MC Kamloops
Saturday, February 6, 2016 Nominations MC Victoria
Saturday, March 12, 2016 Elections VMC Seattle
MC - Courtside Club
VMC - U S Plywood Room
ALL TIMES AND VENUES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
HAWKEY TALK NEWSLETTER
John Fisher, Editor
Teri Kuffler, Co-Editor
Margaret “Maggie” Klein, Co-Editor
2015 - 16 Board of Directors
#27 - OLIVER BJORKSTRAND
President - Stuart Kemp
Vice President - Megan Waletich
Corporate Secretary - John Fisher
Treasurer - MaryEllen Brown
Corresponding Secretary - Cathy Kemp
Sgt at Arms - Ron Spencer
Council Member - Teri Kuffler
Council Member - Margaret “Maggie” Klein
Council Member - Marilly Wiese
Council Member - Richard Thomas
Council Member - Elke Thomas
Council Member - Marilyn Barnhart
CONTACT INFORMATION
Portland Winterhawks Booster Club (PWHBC)
Post Office Box 6768
Portland, Oregon 97228-6768
Website: www.pwhbc.com
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
HAWKEY TALK NEWSLETTER
Email: [email protected]
FM RADIO ASSIGNMENTS IN VENUES: VMC 87.9 / MC (RG) 98.1
BOOSTER CLUB LOCATIONS: VMC “CC” / MC “A-12”
Your Portland Winterhawks Booster Club has won the
top award for “Non-Profit Transparency” and ranks
within the top 3,000 of the tens-of-thousands of NonProfits Nationwide.
Check out www.pwhbc.com and “click” on the
GuideStar Box at the top of the page for details.
Page 2
President’s Message (continued from Page 1)
100-SQUARES CONTEST WINNERS
Now as we head into the "unofficial" second half of the
season, we get ready for the big trip to Alberta in
February with 6 games and 10 days of what should be
the trip of a lifetime. Each season we run a great Canada
trip and plan for them very far in advance to assist with
payment plans and scheduling. I personally don't see us
being able to "top" this year’s trip, but the trip next season
will be yet another adventure. As the regular season
winds down and we head into playoffs, we have one
remaining trip with available seats left. That is the trip to
Seattle on Saturday, March 19, 2016.
November 20, 2015:
1st Period: Becky Lacey
2nd Period: Elke Thomas
Final Score: Elke Thomas
We'd like to remind you of the big book drive on Saturday,
January 9. The Portland Winterhawks is collecting books
for use in creating libraries for people looking to read to
their children and discover the love of reading. Books will
be collected at the front entrances to the building to fill
backpacks and boxes. Let's make this event one to
remember!
On behalf of the Portland Winterhawks Booster Club we
would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season and
a safe New Year and thank you for your continued
support.
November 25, 2015:
1st Period: Peggy Vrooman
2nd Period: Stuart Kemp
Final Score: Stuart Kemp
November 28, 2015:
1st Period: Square Not Sold
2nd Period: Joe Stevens
Final Score: Stuart Kemp
December 11, 2015:
1st Period: Larry Harral
2nd Period: Square Not Sold
Final Score: Square Not Sold
December 12, , 2015:
1st Period: Ardyce Moore
2nd Period: Jim Perdew
Final Score: Square Not Sold
All proceeds from the 100-squares contest help fund the
players’ yearbooks.
ALEX OVERHARDT
NOVEMBER 2015
PLAYER OF THE MONTH
AS VOTED BY THE FANS AND
MEMBERS OF THE PORTLAND
WINTERHAWKS BOOSTER CLUB
Kevin Latshaw sells Player Worn Jerseys
And is a major supporter of your Booster Club
(Picture Courtesy of Scott Sepich)
Page 3
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To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to http://smile.amazon.com/ch/27-3086678 from the web browser on your
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Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby
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WINTERHAWKS TEAM BUS
Page 4
WE NEED YOUR HELP IN MAKING THIS
PROGRAM A SUCCESS EACH YEAR.
THE PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS BOOSTER
CLUB IS ACCEPTING YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
YEAR ROUND TO BENEFIT CHILDREN IN
OUR COMMUNITIES.
“SHOP-WITH-A-HAWK” INVOLVES THE PORTLAND
WINTERHAWKS hockey PLAYERS and pairs them up
“ONE-on-ONE” WITH CHILDREN IN THE COMMUNITY TO
SHOW THESE CHILDREN THAT PEOPLE CARE … THAT
teenagers care too!
This is a program sponsored by you the members of
the Portland Winterhawks booster club and fans
with partners from the community including
fred meyer, Portland sunshine division, volunteers
AND OF COURSE YOUR PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS
HOCKEY CLUB. WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONSIDER THIS
OPPORTUNTY TODAY TO BRING SMILES, LAUGHTER AND
CHRISTMAS JOY TO SO MANY CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
THIS YEAR.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS PROGRAM A GROWING
SUCCESS!
Donations are accepted at all Home Games at the Portland Winterhawks Booster Club Tables. Cash, Check or Credit Cards are
Accepted. Or Send your donations by check made payable to:
Portland Winterhawks Booster Club (PWHBC)
Attn: Charitable Giving Coordinator
P. O. Box 6768
Portland, Oregon 97228-6768
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE
TAX-DEDUCTION LETTERS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Page 5
Gresham native Kyle Gustafson
has seen highs, lows in decade
with Portland Winterhawks
By Scott Sepich
The Oregonian/Oregonlive
December 18, 2015
Over the past decade, the Portland Winterhawks have sunk to depths never before seen in the
40-year history of the franchise, only to rebound to
reach four consecutive league finals and win the
2013 Western Hockey League championship.
After reaching the Western Conference final again
last year, the Hawks (15-16-0-0) have fallen back to
the pack this season. Still, they're within reasonable
striking distance of the U.S. Division lead heading
into games tonight and Saturday in Spokane, their
last before an eight-day Christmas break.
Nobody's had a better view of the Hawks' ups and downs than Kyle Gustafson, a 34-year-old Gresham native who's
been an assistant coach for the team since 2004.
"I grew up coming to the games here," said Gustafson. "This has been a dream come true because I idolized the players and coaches who were here. It's been surreal."
Last week, head coach and general manager Jamie Kompon rewarded Gustafson for his service to the club by promoting him to the title of associate coach. While he's still second in command to Kompon, the new title reflects his crucial
role in the day-to-day operation of the team. Usually, the Hawks have two full-time assistant coaches, but they're now
down to one as Keith McKittrick resigned in November after being arrested on domestic violence charges before the
season started.
"I trust Kyle wholeheartedly with everything," said Kompon, who took over from previous Hawks coach and GM Mike
Johnston in 2014. "He has a real easy personality and gets the most out of the guys. And with it just being me and him
now, we have a great relationship in how we're able to talk things out. I spend more time with him than my wife."
Kompon and Johnston have been friends for years and previously worked together as assistants with the NHL's Los
Angeles Kings. Gustafson met Kompon through Johnston about six years ago and was a friendly face to help Kompon
adjust to being a WHL head coach.
"As a guy who was in the NHL then, he always had time for me at coaches clinics and the like," Gustafson said of Kompon. "But I still had to earn his trust even though we had a bit of a relationship."
Most of the players and coaches in the WHL are Canadian, though increasing numbers of Americans have been joining
the league as players. Still, American coaches are rare in the league, even for the WHL's five U.S.-based teams. The
Winterhawks have never had an American-born head coach.
Gustafson's journey to becoming a trusted authority in the league began as a kid, when he started playing hockey
about the same time he started school. His father played the sport, as did his older brother Derek, a former professional goalie who's now the Hawks' goaltending coach.
While he held dreams of someday playing in the NHL, as Derek did for five games with the Minnesota Wild, Kyle was
drawn early to coaching.
"When I was playing on a bantam (14-year-old) team I'd stay after practice and help work with the younger teams," he
explained. "I knew right away I wanted to get involved with coaching."
Continued on Page 7
Page 6
At age 21, he got the chance to run a team much earlier than he expected.
Gustafson played on national championship teams at the youth levels with the Portland Junior Hawks program, then
moved on to junior hockey with the Eugene Thunder, a team in the Junior B Northern Pacific Hockey League
(Norpac), which was a couple of notches below the WHL. After a successful career there, he could have moved on
to play college hockey. Instead, he seized on a sudden opportunity to start his coaching career.
When the Thunder's newly hired head coach decided to leave for a different coaching job, they were in a bind. So
they hired Gustafson, who went from being just one of the guys to the guy calling the shots.
"I had been a captain, so there was a respect that the players had for me," he said. "When I spoke, they listened.
But I also had to draw a line in the sand and cut ties with hanging out with them too much. I had to make sure I was
prepared."
The Thunder ended up being well-prepared. The team won its first and only Norpac title that season and placed fifth
in the Junior B national championship. Unfortunately, the team ran out of money and ceased operations the next
season.
Needing to find work, Gustafson used his friendship with then-Winterhawks head coach Mike Williamson to get a
part-time job as an assistant coach. The next season, he was hired full-time after other assistants left the Hawks.
Gustafson retained his job after Williamson was let go in 2007 by an ownership group that allegedly nearly ran the
franchise out of business. Losses mounted, including an 11-58-3 record in 2007-08 that was the worst in Hawks
history.
"I can't say anything bad about them because they gave me a chance to be a part of the team," Gustafson said of
the group led by New York businessman Jim Goldsmith. "Those were some dark years, though. You learn a lot as a
coach, that in those hard times you have to do some soul searching about how you get the guys going every day."
When Gallacher swooped in to buy the team and install Mike Johnston as head coach and GM, the Hawks were on
a road trip in Saskatchewan.
"When we went on that trip, things really heated up with rumors about an ownership change," Gustafson recalls. "I'll
never forget the 27-hour bus ride from Swift Current not knowing if I'd have a job when I got home."
Gustafson said he went directly into an interview with Johnston when the bus arrived in Portland, and was given a
chance to stay.
"Mike made it clear that he was going to hold me accountable for my job, and that pushed me to work that much
harder," he said.
The Hawks have averaged 50 wins over the past five seasons, and Gustafson's
contributions to that success could lead to offers from other teams.
"You always have ambitions to move on and goals of where you want to get to," he
said. "It's a catch 22 because Portland is so awesome, but with all of the coaches
I've seen move on from here you realize that to take the next step in the coaching
ranks you have to explore those opportunities.
"It would be hard to leave, though."
Continued from Page 6
Page 7
December 2015 The month of December is always a reminder that the Winterhawks are not just
the product that fans see on the ice. With visits to local children’s hospitals and the
Veterans Hospital, along with special events like the Toy Drive and the Teddy Bear
Toss, the team spends a large portion of the month out in the surrounding community as we spread cheer to those who are facing challenges during the holiday
season.
Last Saturday, the team hosted the annual Teddy Bear Toss game in Veterans
Memorial Coliseum against Prince George. After a scoreless first period as a nearly sold out crowd anxiously watched, Alex Schoenborn finally netted the team’s
first goal bringing down almost 11,000 bears onto the ice. We then collected the
bears off the ice and set them aside for donation to local charities helping kids in
need for the holidays. The Teddy Bear Toss is always a special night, but it was
extra special for Alex as it was also his 20th birthday that night.
Our players also recently visited Randall Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospital for
Children, and the VA Hospital to deliver toys collected from the annual Toy Drive
and teddy bears from the Teddy Bear Toss, and visit with patients. It’s always a heartwarming and humbling experience to meet patients, young and old, in the hospitals and hear their stories. It’s especially wonderful to see children so
excited to meet our players and pick out some toys for Christmas during a difficult time.
Many of you may wonder what happens to the tens of thousands of stuffed animals we collect each year at the Teddy
Bear Toss. The hospitals are just a fraction of the organizations who receive the bears: each year, the bears are
spread across dozens of organizations from social services to those who support children with developmental disabilities to police and firefighters who give stuffed animals on welfare visits. The impact these donations will have on the
community is hard to measure, but we know that each and every stuffed animal that gets tossed on the ice during the
Teddy Bear Toss brings happiness to whoever receives it.
As we focus on the upcoming months, the league’s annual holiday break will provide a very good opportunity for our
players to recharge and get some much needed rest and relaxation as they enjoy the holidays with their families back
home. When the players return after Christmas, we will get back to work as the second half of the season will open
with plenty of tough matchups against divisional rivals in the weeks ahead.
Once again, we are extremely grateful for the support of you, the fans, and we hope that you all have a happy holidays!
Page 8
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…
It’s a very exciting time of the year in the WHL. World Junior teams have
been selected, players are getting a much deserved rest at the holiday break,
and focus turns to the trade deadline coming up on January 10th and the
playoff push of the second half.
Writing to you on the eve of the final two games before the break, the Hawks
sit back of where they’d like to be but still in the thick of the U.S. Division race.
5 points back of the Spokane Chiefs (with the opportunity to close that gap for
3rd to one point with wins this weekend) is a bit behind where Portland would
like to be I’m sure. But there are positives to build on towards the second half
of the campaign.
The combination of Rihards Bukarts, Cody Glass, and Alex Schoenborn has been a revelation at the
start of December. This trio could potentially stick together after the break, even with Keegan Iverson
and Rodrigo Abols expected in the lineup sooner rather than later. Glass’ emergence as having the
ability to contribute in his rookie campaign, with 10 points and a positive +/- rating in the first half, allows
Jamie Kompon flexibility to experiment with his forward group with Paul Bittner’s absence for hip surgery.
Will Abols move to the wing on a top-line with Turgeon? Could Keegan Iverson see time in a 3rd line
capacity, adding some offensive punch to the bottom-six forwards? It’ll be interesting to see how
Kompon shuffles the deck as his team gets more flexibility after Christmas with healthy bodies returning.
It’s also a very exciting time for the front office for the Hawks, as we are thrilled to have our first televised
game under our belt with Portland’s CW. As the schedule turns to the second half, you’ll be able to watch
the passion and vitriol of the Hawks vs. Thunderbirds rivalry from the comfort of your couch at home. Our
first broadcast on Teddy Bear Toss Night (and my first chance as a television broadcaster) was an
intense and exciting experience. We were happy with that broadcast as a starting point, and are looking
forward to building on that to bring you more and more exciting content over the second half of the
season.
So, with the holiday break upon us, and the first half flying by, I hope you enjoy the holidays and are as
excited to see what this team can put together in the second half as I am. With Adin Hill in net, Jack
Dougherty and Caleb Jones having half a season under their belt in the WHL and a chance to really
expand their impact in the second half, I’m expecting big things from a team I still think can be at the
cream of the crop in the WHL. Have a very lovely holiday period and I look forward to seeing you in the
rink throughout the second half!
Page 9
By Samantha Meese
Everything Old is New Again
It’s turning into the season of close calls and almosts for the Portland
Winterhawks, who’ve made a habit out of comebacks. Mind, I love a good
comeback almost as much as I love shootouts, but allowing four or five goals early in a game isn’t really a long term
game plan. Injuries to key players aren’t helping the boys in the luck department, but they’ve risen to the occasion
thanks to some players who are wearing some very familiar numbers. Every time I think “where’s Ty Rattie when
you need him?” I look down and see Cody Glass scoring. If I ever wonder what number 31 Mac Carruth might have
done in a given situation, I realize that Adin Hill might do something even better. The numbers may be familiar, but
the players are new and come January, something tells me it’s going to be a whole different hockey game for the
Hawks.
Shake the Magic 8 Ball. Cody Glass doesn’t even have to do anything spectacular to win my admiration. What he
represents is spectacular enough. Cody was the Winterhawks’ first round pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft.
Banned from the first round of the draft in the notorious 2012 sanctions, the team reacquired the right to pick in
the first round when they traded Adam Tambellini’s rights to the Calgary Hitmen. Cody was the payoff. And indeed
he has paid off, leading the charge in the Dec. 15 game vs. the Americans with a four goal explosion in the second
period that would give the team hope before they fell 6-4 to the Ams. I was all in for Cody to score the Teddy Bear
Toss goal, but I can’t think of a better back up plan than Alex Schoenborn.
Number three is the charm. Another player making his move is the latest generation of the Jones family,
defenseman and Edmonton Oilers prospect Caleb Jones. He spends a little more time in the box than he should, but
on the other hand, he does come up clutch with the right goals at the right time. If he can stay out of the box, I
think he’ll do wonders for the team as they head down the stretch run.
Over the Hill to victory we go. When I first noticed Adin Hill at training camp in 2014, I got what we politely call
push back in corporate America. Nobody believed he would ever be the starter and they didn’t really think he stood
out. But I told more than a few people ‘you’re looking at the future starting goaltender for the Portland
Winterhawks” and those people literally laughed in my face. Really. Y’all know what happened next, so I’ll rest my
case.
Number 9 with a bullet. Let’s face facts, there’s only one Chase De Leo, resident ladies man and the apple of
Maddy’s eye. But Rihards Bukarts has become a one man wrecking ball when it comes to scoring, earning WHL
Player of the Week honors for the blitz in which he scored his first career hat trick. And that picture of him with the
puppy in the Humane Society calendar is pretty warm and fuzzy too.
Hello, my name is Ryan. #19 has become associated with legendary status in recent seasons, having been worn
by Ryan Johansen and then Nic Petan. Today, rookie Ryan Hughes has inherited the honor. He’s all of about 5’7”
and he’s played in 31 of the team’s 32 games this season. But my mom likes him already and like I said, he’s wearing
#19. So there you go. Case closed. Ryan is on tap for an upcoming rookie profile. In the meantime, since #19 has
been a good luck charm for the players who wore it previously, I’d bet it will be the same for Ryan.
Page 10
THE FACE-OFF SPOT (continued from Page 10)
Get well soon. It’s a universal truth of life that the minute things in one part of your life start falling into place and
moving forward, another part of it falls apart. So it has been for Paul Bittner, who underwent hip surgery last weekend when he should have been at Team USA’s World Junior training camp. He’s come a long way in a short time with
the Winterhawks. When he started playing for the team, Paul was the youngest active playing player in the league.
But he certainly wasn’t small. He was already 6’4”. I’m glad to see that Paul personally Tweeted that the surgery went
well and he’s recovering. Behind that injury is a real human being who’s probably feeling about the same way we are
right about now, so no, you won’t find me chiming in about who will take his place, whether this or that player will
get traded or anything else related to his injury. I prefer to put my energy where it belongs: in thinking positive
thoughts and hoping for his full recovery.
There’s another number seven I’m keeping my eye on as he continues his career in the NHL: Joe Morrow. When I
first started covering the team for oregonlive, I mistook him for a forward at practice because of his smooth skating
style and offensively minded play. It took me a few minutes to realize oh wait…he’s on the blueline. He doesn’t Tweet
very often but when he does it’s always hilarious. And smart. As rain continues to flood Portland, I think back to one
of the first Tweets he ever posted: “Whoever wrote ‘The Sun Will Come out Tomorrow’ never lived in Portland.”
#rowrowrowyourboat. It still makes me laugh to this day. Like Paul, he’s a good, sturdy, solid young man who was
obviously raised right. Plus, he seems to be one of the few Winterhawks not at the center of the NHL headlines this
year. Speaking of which:
#FreeMikeJ: Mike Johnston deserved better than the raw deal he got in Pittsburgh, where things once seemed so
promising for him and Derrick Pouliot. Since he was fired by the Pens last weekend, the team has continued to struggle and their woes didn’t improve when Marc-Andre Fleury went down with a concussion. The Pittsburgh Penguins’
current issues go beyond one player, one coach or one assistant coach. I wasn’t happy about the team’s decision to
part ways with him, but I’m not going to lie. I immediately thought the same things everyone else did: “I wonder if
he’ll come back to the Dub?” or if you’re really being honest, “Would he ever rejoin the Portland Winterhawks?”
Coach Kompon has it covered, but the idea of Mike’s return to the Dub, even if it was with an opposing team, is irresistible. We’ll have to stay tuned on this one, but you can count me among the fans who would love to see him make
a comeback to the Dub. I’ll take it any way I can get it.
Page 11
Former Winterhawks coach Mike
Johnston in no hurry to find a new
job after Penguins firing
By Scott Seoich
The Oregonian/Oregonlive
December 22, 2015
Less than two weeks after being fired as head coach of
the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, former Portland
Winterhawks head coach and general manager Mike
Johnston indicated Monday that he's in no hurry to find
a new job.
Last week, Johnston said via text that he had "no real
plans yet" after being relieved of his duties with the
Penguins on Dec. 12, 28 games into his second season with the club.
Johnston added Monday that he would "listen to opportunities but take some time decide" about his next position. He
otherwise declined to comment about his tenure with the Penguins and what his future may hold.
Johnston, 58, took over a foundering Winterhawks franchise when Calgary-based businessman Bill Gallacher bought
the team in October 2008. Johnston built the team into a powerhouse that went to four straight WHL finals and won the
2013 league title, though he spent much of the championship season suspended for violating league rules pertaining to
player benefits. The former NHL assistant asserted he would only leave Portland for a head coaching position in the
NHL, which the Penguins offered in June 2014. After Johnston departed, the Winterhawks hired longtime NHL
assistant Jamie Kompon to fill both of Johnston's roles.
Despite lasting only 18 months in his first NHL head coaching job, Johnston figures to be in demand due to his success
with the Hawks and his past experience both in the NHL and with various teams in Canada's national program.
Johnston also writes and gives lectures about coaching.
Shortly after Johnston's firing, the Vancouver (B.C.) Province mentioned him as a possible candidate for the open GM
position with the WHL's Vancouver Giants, though Johnston said during his tenure in Portland that he'd be hesitant to
accept any job that didn't include coaching. Johnston previously worked as an assistant coach for the Vancouver
Canucks and reportedly owns a home in the area.
A return to the Winterhawks in some capacity would be complicated, as Johnston played a major role in the hiring of
Kompon, his close friend and former colleague with the Los Angeles Kings. At this time, the Hawks likely could only
offer some sort of supervisory role, as there are no indications that the team is unsatisfied with Kompon's performance.
Gallacher also owns a pro team in Switzerland, the Kloten Flyers, but Sean Simpson, another friend of Johnston's,
currently coaches that club.
If Johnston is set on coaching, he may have to sit out the rest of this season and see what opportunities arise over the
summer.
Johnston went 15-10-3 this season with the Penguins, but the team struggled offensively despite a core group that
Includes past NHL MVPs Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Last season, Pittsburgh finished 43-27-12 in the regular
season but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the New York Rangers. Johnston reportedly signed a three-year
contract with the Penguins, and will likely be able to continue collecting his NHL
salary through the end of the 2016-17 season if he doesn't get another job before
then.
Page 12
By Samantha Meese
December 6, 2015
It was only a few short months ago I was on injured reserve, with way too much free time on my hands. Flash forward
to September, at which point the last 90 days of my life disappeared into thin air. And I'm not even talking about how
busy the hockey season has been. I'm talking about a little thing called my day job, where it's expected that we sacrifice our family and personal time, including well-earned vacation, for work. It all got me to thinking how some people
have their priorities out of whack. For the past 90 days, that included me. Clearly it's time to get with the program and
put hockey first, like it should be. Just how does one get back on track and keep hockey top of mind, all the time, no
excuses, no exceptions? I have a few ideas.
"I always remember that hockey is the most important thing in my life." - Flyers prospect Taylor Leier, in answer to a
question in his Portland Winterhawks Booster Club rookie profile, asking "What would you tell young kids who are just
starting out about what it take to get to the next level?(NHL)"
"He was all hockey, all the time. Nothing else." - Ryan Johansen's mom in an interview on Winterhawks' parent's weekend, in which she described his dedication to hockey above all the other things Hockey first. The Portland Winterhawks' 15' - 16' season is comprised of one of the most ridiculous schedules I've ever seen. It's marked by random
weeknight road games, too many games that compete with Trailblazers games and thusly the Trailblazers traffic. For
the players, it's an even more ridiculous road schedule. It doesn't help that the Winterhawks aren't in Kansas anymore,
Toto. Losing sucks and it sucks even more when you remember the championship seasons like they were yesterday.
Oh wait, in Portland they were yesterday. Add in 10 - 12 work days during the day and it's easy to get distracted from
one's priorities: too easy. At times like these, it's best to follow the advice of young hockey players and keep it simple
by remembering that hockey is the most important thing in my life. However, if you have a job that cuts into hockey
time, it's also time to get creative:
Call me. Conference calls are a good cover for multi-tasking replays of the previous night's game highlights, checking game notes for upcoming games and generally tuning out reality. The easiest way to do this is put the instant message on "do not disturb" with a note that you're "presenting." Or you can just tell your boss you have to "actively participate" in the whole 60 minutes. Translation: You're answering questions during the one minute you actually have to participate and tuning out 59 minutes of chatter while you multi-task game highlights on your NHL app.
Take note. If you're trapped in an actual live meeting after hours because someone else's lack of planning became your emergency, seat selection is key. The back of the room is best, where no one can look over your shoulder
while you silently watch opening face-off on your mobile device, under the guise of "I'm expecting a call from an important client." A good way to make it look like you're actually paying attention is to jot down a note now and again and
of course, nod your head like you're listening.
Let's do lunch. One of the ways I put thr game first is what I like to call a " long hockey lunch." This crafty getaway is usually presented as "I'm on deadline for the blog and I have to go interview some Winterhawks." As long as I
keep an eye on work emails and answer a work call if need be, I'm allowed to break away. Ironically, when I keep an
eye on work emails as instructed, no one ever calls or emails me. It's magic.
"An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure." - The dictionary definition of hobby
If it's not hockey, it's not a hobby. Sure, I've been busy lately deciphering the anagrams on "Blindspot" and figuring out
how this hot new show is a lot like hockey and training for the Shamrock Run, but let's face it: those aren't nearly as
important or exciting as hockey. Therefore, they don't really count as "hobbies." That honor is reserved for hockey.
Fans may not have the pleasure of playing in the NHL for ridiculous amounts of money, but we do have one universal
thing in common with players that connects us all: we are all about hockey, all the time. That includes our fellow hockey fans in Australia, where it's currently the off-season/summer. I can't help but be insanely jealous of Australian-based
tweets like "Summer is here!" while I throw another log on the fire. Speaking of which:
Continued on Page 14
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Continued from Page 13
Change of seasons. Australia's hockey season will get underway while the WHL and NHL seasons are nearing their
respective conclusions. Which explains why the Australian Ice Hockey League's 2016 All-Star Weekend will take place
in June. Therefore, I'd now like to thank Australia for developing and promoting ice hockey in their country: thanks to
them and the magic of modern technology, it's possible to watch hockey year-round and therefore avoid the dreaded
off-season. Also, if anyone from Australia happens to be reading this blog post, can I just say that I'm already jealous of
anyone who calls Melbourne home? I've never seen the Melbourne Ice play because I just discovered them a few
months ago, but you can tell them they have at least one fan in Portland, Oregon.
"Hockey fans are a family." - Local Portland Winterhawks fan Derek Harper, via Twitter
Family first. One of our work colleagues just got promoted such that she'll now be our manager, and I'm happy it's
someone I actually like. But I feel for her: anytime you put a managerial title next to your name, it means more time at
the office and less time for hockey, family and the like. It made me realize that I've never been promoted to that level
because I don't want to be. Nobody looks back on their life in the end and says "I should have watched less hockey" or
"I should have spent less time with family." Job titles and companies come and go. The family that is hockey is forever.
When it comes down to it, that's what matters. That's why my primary New Year's resolution for 2016 is simple: I'm all
hockey, all the time. First on the list of things to do: trekking to Melbourne, Australia for the start of the Ice's hockey
season. Stay tuned.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
IIHF Hockey
Latvia wins U20 Div. IA, earns promotion to 2017 #WorldJuniors in Canada.
Congrats
11:51 AM - 19 Dec 2015 · Switzerland,
Schweiz
Rodrigo Abols scored an empty net goal earlier this morning as Latvia beat Italy 3-0 and won the World Junior Division
I championship, which means they'll be playing in the big tournament next year.
Latvia went undefeated in the tournament's five game and only dropped one point (for winning one game in overtime).
Abols finished as the leading scorer for Latvia with four goals and one assist (although one of those was a shootout
winner, which counts in the IIHF).
Best for us, he'll be back December 27.
(Courtesy Dylan Bumbarger - The Oregonian - December 19, 2015)
Page 14
CATCH ALL THE WINTERHAWKS
ACTION THIS SEASON
on KPAM 860 AM and the Winterhawks Radio Network.
All of the regular season and playoff action will be heard live this season on multiple platforms, either over-the-air on
KPAM 860 AM, the team's online radio network, and smartphone apps.
In addition, every Monday night from 6 - 7 p.m. the Hawks will have an exclusive "Hawkey Talk" show on KPAM, hosted
by Ron Callan. "Hawkey Talk" will feature weekly updates from General Manager & Head Coach Jamie Kompon, playby-play announcer Todd Vrooman, player interviews, and questions from fans. Don't miss this exclusive weekly show!
You can also tune in to all games on your smartphone or tablet by downloading the free “Live365” app from your
marketplace. Just search for "Winterhawks" in the app, then make it a preset and you can tune in anytime!
Along with the games, the Winterhawks will use the online network to broadcast team-related content 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. Fans can find the station by visiting winterhawks.com and clicking the “Listen Live” link at the top of
the page. Fans can also listen to games on KPAM 860 AM.
Page 15
YOU CAN HELP YOUR
PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS BOOSTER CLUB
EARN DONATIONS TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY GIVING
JUST BY SHOPPING WITH YOUR FRED MEYER REWARDS CARD!
Fred Meyer is donating $2.5 million per year to non-profits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington,
based on where their customers tell them to give. Here’s how the program works:
Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to your
PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS BOOSTER CLUB at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. You can
search for us by our name or by our non-profit number (NPO) 81503.
Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping the PORTLAND
WINTERHAWKS BOOSTER CLUB earn a donation from Fred Meyer.
By supporting your Charitable Club you will allow them to do more community outreach with no outof-pocket-expense. A Win-Win!
You still earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates, just as you do today. Your Rewards don’t
change. But, Fred Meyer’s Gives based on your use of the Rewards Card. However, first you have to go
“online” and “link” your card to the Portland Winterhawks Booster Club.
If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer
store.
For more information, please visit www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.
Thank you
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