Kamloops Doubles Up Portland in Season Opener, 6-3

Photo: Portland Winterhawks

PORTLAND - The Kamloops Blazers, behind a three goal performance from Brock Nixon, spoiled the road opener for the Portland Winter Hawks, defeating the Hawks 6-3 at the Interior Savings Centre in Kamloops, BC.

Ray Macias chipped in two goals and rookie forward Jussi Puustinen from Finland recorded three assists for the Blazers. Reid Jorgensen had the other goal for the Blazers.

Portland got goals from defensemen Michael Sauer and Cameron Cepek as well as 19 year old forward Frazer McLaren.

Kamloops out-shot the Hawks 32-22 with Kurtis Mucha stopping 26 of 32 shots. Michael Maniago stopped 19 of 22 shots for the Kamloops Blazers.

Scratches for the Winter Hawks were defenseman Max Gordichuk (wrist), Libor Gazdik (Immigration Issue), Tayler Jordan (head), Chip Petrino and Lucas Alexiuk (both healthy).

The Hawks, (0-0-0-0), continue their opening weekend on Saturday, September 23, taking on the defending WHL Champions and 2007 Memorial Cup Hosts, the Vancouver Giants at 7:00. Play by play of the game will be available by audio webcast at www.winterhawks.com courtesy of DSL Northwest beginning at 6:50, 10 minutes before face off.

The Hawks’ home opener is Saturday September 30th in Memorial Coliseum against the Kelowna Rockets. Pre-game festivities will start shortly before 7:30 PM with the puck drop at 7:35.

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