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Portland Winterhawks win Western Conference title, advance to WHL championship

The junior ice hockey team only lost twice on the way to the final series and will now set their sights on winning the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the first time since 2013.

May 7, 2024 • 
Ben McBee
A Winterhawks hockey player in a white jersey and helmet holds the Western Conference Championship trophy with a man in a grey suit and blue tie on the ice.

Captain Gabe Klassen holds the trophy with WHL Chief Operating Officer and Winterhawks alum Greg Gardner.

Photo via James Doyle

Ten years after their last WHL Championship appearance, the Portland Winterhawks are will play for their fourth Ed Chynoweth Cup.

They already clinched the Western Conference Championship in dramatic fashion, winning Game 6 on the road in double overtime against the Prince George Cougars. Portland’s goalie Jan Spunar, who’s eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft, set a new career high saving 48 out of 49 shots and left winger Josh Davies scored the series-clinching point.

So who’s next? The Winterhawks will face the champions of the Eastern Conference, the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Want to be a part of Portland hockey history? The action returns to Hawkeytown on Friday, May 10, so secure your tickets.

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