Winterhawks 2001-2002 Schedule
Sean Roed
Josh Olson
Willy Glover
2001-2002 season preview
Losses to:
Overage: Jomar Cruz, Garrett Prosofsky, Dan Hulak.
Expansion Draft: Nick Marach.
Goal: Lanny Ramage '82, Travis Mitchell '83.
Ramage is one of the top three goalies in the West Division and should provide Portland with solid goaltending. A capable backup to give Ramage some rest is needed.
Defense: Jesse Ferguson '81 (?), Kris Callaway '82, Kevin Young '82, Joey Hope '82, Dustin Bauer '83,
Patrick Wellar '83, Braydon Coburn '85.
If Ferguson figures in the mix for Portland, their top 4 d-men look solid; but the loss of Dan Hulak will mean guys like Kevin Young and Joey Hope will need to play more consistently every night. Rookie Braydon Coburn will fit right in and help if his playoff contributions are any indication of his ability. Bauer and Wellar will need to play physical on a consistent basis and pick up some of Hulak's ice time. A big physical d-man, who plays top 4, would be a nice addition; but Portland has fewer problems on the back end than most West Division teams.
Forwards: Dean Beuker '81 (?), Josh Olson '81 (?), Shawn Roed '81 (?), Marcel Hossa '81 (?), Craig Vallette '82, Paul Gaustad '82, Joe Balej '82, John Togiai '82, Willie Glove '82, Daniel McIvor '83, Brad Priestlay '83,
Luke Molotowsky '83, Matt Girling '84.
Hossa is almost sure to be gone to Montreal's system, and Joe Balej may well get a long look with all the problems in Montreal. Even with Hossa gone, if Josh Olson returns the Hawks will have four 20's up front; and "super-checker" would likely be the odd man out. If Hossa returned, the Hawks would be solid up front; but with his departure likely, Balej, Roed, Gaustad and Priestlay (who scored his share in minor hockey) would need to lead the offence. Togiai, Molotowsky, Vallette and impressive rookie Matt Girling should all chip in as well. Portland should give Spokane all they can handle for top spot in the newly formed U.S. Division of the WHL.
Europeans: Another skilled forward to replace Hossa, or a defenceman.
Overagers: It's not just overagers with Portland as Montreal needs help NOW, and it's possible that both Hossa and Balej may end up with the Habs. Balej may be a long shot, but he impressed Montreal last year. Hossa is almost certainly gone, leaving Ferguson, Olson, Roed and Beuker as overagers, with Beuker the likely odd man out if Olson returns.
Added Note: I believe the loss of Troy Mick may have an impact on Portland's system, and it may be either "the" intangible or "an" intangible that costs Portland.
