March 8 Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Portland's Brandon Dubinsky (left) faces off against Gilbert Brule during the Winter Hawks game against the Vancouver Giants at the Rose Garden on March 8, 2006. Portland never stood a chance in the game, losing 6-0. Vancouver went on to play in the Memorial Cup tournament, eventually losing to Moncton in the final. (Portland won the Memorial Cup in 1983 and 1998.)

This year, the Winter Hawks celebrating their 30th as Portland's major-junior hockey club. They play in the U.S. division of the Western Hockey League (WHL). That league, part of the Canadian Hockey League, is a developmental league for 15- to 18-year-olds. The best players from that league are drafted by NHL clubs. Portland alumni include Cam Neely, Glen Wesley, and Marian Hossa.