Played on Oct 13, 2025
Game Played in Scotiabank Saddledome
General Game Notes: Portland @ Calgary, October 13, 2025. The first period was fairly back and forth with the only real good scoring chances being goals, the second period was controlled by Calgary mostly, and the third period was controlled by Portland for the first 10 minutes. The game was a little choppy to start but fairly back and forth with both teams taking control for extended periods of time. Calgary made a late push after a Portland eventual game winning goal with 5 mins left in the game.
Aidan Hesse (G, L, 6’1″, 177, Calgary Hitmen, 02/23/2008)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: In his first WHL start, Aidan Hesse looked sound, technical, and composed. The athletic goaltender showed good head checks and tracking through traffic on the penalty kill. In the second period, he faced a few close-range chances, sealing the bottom of the net well and staying calm as he pounced on the third shot’s rebound. His reaction time and positioning were good, and late in the third, he made a huge breakaway stop, shutting the door five-hole. Hesse’s efficiency, confidence, and composure were impressive for a first start.
Calder Hamilton (D, L, 5’10”, 157, Calgary Hitmen, 03/08/2009)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: At 16 years old, Calder Hamilton displayed impressive poise and skating ability. His edgework and puck movement were good, showing good control on breakouts and composure under pressure. Early in the first, he demonstrated his vision and touch with a smooth catch and release under handling the puck on a D-to-D pass that led to a scoring chance from his point shot. Although undersized, he competes hard and reads plays well. With added strength and quicker decisions under pressure, Hamilton has the potential to become a skilled, mobile defenceman with a bright future.
Axel Hurtig (D, L, 6’5″, 208, Calgary Hitmen, 06/10/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Axel Hurtig plays a shutdown-style game, using his large frame and defensive instincts to control play in his own zone. He maintained good gap control, surfing early in the neutral zone and closing quickly on opposing players along the blueline. He was physical and consistently separated opponents from the puck and won net-front battles. Late in the third, he made a key shot block on the penalty kill. His combination of size, stick positioning, and awareness makes him reliable and difficult to play against.
Hunter Aura (D, R, 5’10”, 168, Calgary Hitmen, 10/22/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Hunter Aura is a smart and skilled. He showed strong IQ and poise as a two-way defenceman, controlling play from the back end with confidence. He was effective as the power play quarterback, reading pressure well and knowing when to pass or shoot. He used his skating to evade pressure and create clean breakouts. Defensively, his gap control was consistent, challenging entries early and denying space. In the third period, he displayed his speed and composure by burning a forechecker rounding his own net creating a clean breakout. He also generated scoring chances late in the game with smart shot selection and puck movement. Aura’s mobility and hockey sense make him dependable in all situations.
Brandon Gorzynski (C, L, 6’2″, 187, Calgary Hitmen, 03/12/2007, Arizona State)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Brandon Gorzynski played a strong, heavy game, showing his power-forward style. Early in the game he showcased his shooting ability with a hard one-timer from the side slot that beat the goaltender short side. He used his strength effectively on the forecheck and along the walls, creating turnovers and protecting the puck in tight areas. Gorzynski competed hard and played with a physical edge that wore down defenders. His combination of size, strength, and shot makes him an effective presence in the offensive zone.
Ethan Moore (LW, R, 6’0″, 176, Calgary Hitmen, 02/23/2005)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Ethan Moore is a skilled playmaker. He showcased his playmaking ability, compete, and all-around hockey IQ all game. Early in the first, he took a hit on the wall to make a great pass to the middle, creating a scoring chance. His passing ability was evident again on the power play, where he moved the puck quickly and found lanes through seams. In the third, Moore’s willingness to sacrifice was on display with a big sellout shot block on the penalty kill. Later in the game, he made a saucer pass over a defender’s stick to set up a partial breakaway goal, showing excellent touch and vision. His combination of speed, IQ, and compete level makes him valuable in all special teams situations.
Kale Dach (C, L, 5’10”, 167, Calgary Hitmen, 02/15/2007, Penn State)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Kale Dach displayed impressive puck skills and speed throughout the game. In the second period, he showcased his soft hands and poise with a smooth forehand-backhand deke on a partial breakaway, finishing cleanly for the go-ahead goal. He used his skating to create separation in transition and was trusted in multiple situations, including the power play and late-game shifts. Dach’s combination of finesse, confidence, and skating ability makes him a consistent offensive threat.
Ryan Miller (LW, L, 6’0″, 178, Portland Winterhawks, 05/03/2007, Denver)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Ryan Miller showed relentless compete and energy from start to finish. On the penalty kill, his quick stops and starts, along with his desperation in board battles, helped clear pucks under pressure. Late in the second, he was rewarded for his effort when a shot bounced off his body and into the net, showing his willingness to get to the hard areas. He also used his speed to beat out an icing call late in the game, starting a full zone behind the Calgary defender. Miller’s tenacity, skating, and grit make him a valuable player who sets the tone with high compete
Will McLaughlin (D, L, 6’2″, 169, Portland Winterhawks, 03/10/2008, Colorado College)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Will McLaughlin was impressive with his vision, edgework, and ability to find shooting lanes from the point. On the power play in the first period, he tied the game with a perfectly placed seeing-eye shot through traffic from the quarterback spot. His stick positioning was active all game, breaking up plays defensively, and he kept a puck alive in the offensive zone using his feet and showcasing his puck control. In the second, he used quick edgework at the blue line to sidestep a defender and create a prime scoring chance. McLaughlin’s composure with the puck and skating ability make him an effective two-way defender who contributes on both sides of the puck.
Jake Gustafson (RW, R, 6’4″, 179, Portland Winterhawks, 04/03/2008, Colorado College)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Jake Gustafson played a powerful, skilled game, using his frame and hands to make an impact offensively. In the third period, he buried the go-ahead and eventual game-winning goal with a quick, heavy one-timer from the hashmarks, finishing top shelf. Earlier, his strong forecheck and puck protection led to another goal when his shot deflected off Miller and in. Gustafson consistently drove play toward the net and created offence through his physicality and awareness. His combination of strength, shooting, and hockey sense makes him a dangerous power forward.
Carter Sotheran (D, R, 6’3″, 202, Portland Winterhawks, 06/26/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Carter Sotheran demonstrated his offensive instincts and puck skills, particularly on the power play, as the quarterback. In the second period, he showcased elite puck control by dancing through three penalty killers on the blue line to create a high-danger scoring chance. He moved the puck confidently to the half walls and displayed patience when distributing from the point. Defensively, he used his frame effectively, but he can continue to refine his decision-making and awareness. Sotheran’s skill and size give him the potential to grow into a reliable two-way defenceman.
Alex Weiermair (C, R, 6’1″, 191, Portland Winterhawks, 05/10/2005, Denver)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Alex Weiermair brought energy and skill, combining smooth skating with a strong compete level. He showcased impressive puck control on the penalty kill, walking through the middle for a chance and outworked Calgary’s power play. His speed and edgework were evident in corner battles and rush situations, where he frequently created space for himself with punch turns and separation. Weiermair’s best play came on Portland’s third goal. He battled through two defenders to win possession, used his hands to beat a defenceman, and slipped a perfect pass across to Gustafson for a one-timer goal. His blend of compete, skating, and playmaking makes him a dynamic offensive driver.
Luke Wilfley (C, R, 6’1″, 182, Portland Winterhawks, 06/30/2008, Arizona State)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Viewed on TV
Comments: Luke Wilfley showed strong hockey sense and reliable puck movement throughout the game. He supported low in the defensive zone to create easy breakout options and opened the game with a smart, high-IQ pass to the slot for a quality scoring chance. His vision and awareness in the offensive zone were good, consistently finding linemates and moving the puck efficiently. With continued work on his speed and strength, Wilfley has the tools to become a well-rounded and dependable forward.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images