Hockey team celebrates 40 years, WHL reaches 50 with promo events planned all season
Its a milestone season for the Portland Winterhawks and the Western Hockey League, and the club plans another year of cool promotions to celebrate.
The Winterhawks mark their 40th season in Portland, starting with games at Victoria, Sept. 25 and 26, and opening their home schedule against Everett, Oct. 3 at the Moda Center.
Meanwhile, the Western Hockey League not to be confused with the professional WHL of the Portland Buckaroos days marks its 50th anniversary with various things throughout the season. The league started in 1966 as the Western Canada Junior Hockey League. The anniversary year will include a season-opening ceremony in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The seasonlong festivities will include each team paying tribute to the WHL, the Winterhawks included at some point.
In addition, therell also be a fan online vote to help name the top 50 WHL players of all-time (whl.ca); the website will commemorate championship teams on Championship Tuesdays, the Winterhawks included; and, therell be Throwback Thursdays for photos, videos and fun facts.
As far as the Winterhawks, 20 games will be played at the Moda Center and 16 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum and there will be 20 promotion nights, including traditional and popular events:
Saturday, Oct. 3, Everett, Moda Pacific Office Automation 40th Anniversary Home Opener
Saturday, Dec. 12, Prince George, VMC Les Schwab Teddy Bear Toss
Thursday, Dec. 31, Seattle, Moda Toyota New Years Eve Game, with post-game skate with players
Saturday, Jan. 16, Saskatoon, Moda The Boeing Company Airplane Toss
Monday, Jan. 18, Vancouver, VMC Daylight Classic
Friday, Jan. 22, Seattle, Moda Compass Oncology Pink the Rink/LaRog Ladies Night
Friday, Feb. 5, Seattle, Moda George Morlan Plumbing Supply Mascot Night
Monday, Feb. 15, Victoria, VMC Bank of America Presidents Day Daylight Classic
Friday, March 18, Spokane, Moda H&R Block Dash For Cash
Sunday, March 20, Seattle, Moda Fred Meyer Family Night
For info: www.winterhawks.com or 503-236-HAWK.