The new WHL Portland Winterhawks captain has roots in Prince Albert.
Gabe Klassen of Prince Albert was named on the 48e captain in Portland Winterhawks history last week. The former Minto was drafted on the 19the overall in the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft.
Klassen says he had no idea he was going to be made captain and is proud to have been cast in the role.
“He [Head Coach Mike Johnston] told us we had a special guest to come and announce it. One of our long time followers came over and announced the captains and this is the first time I found out about him. It was a pretty special moment learning that I was going to be captain and gaining the trust of my coaches and teammates to wear the C for this organization. I’m really looking forward to the year now.
Klassen and the Winterhawks are off to a great start so far this season. The Winterhawks sit second in the WHL Western Conference with a 7-1-0-0 record and are just two points behind the undefeated Seattle Thunderbirds.
In just four games this season, Klassen has scored eight goals for Portland. Last season in the Pacific Northwest, Klassen had 33 goals and 64 points in 68 games for the Winterhawks.
Prince Albert is not a short distance from Portland, Oregon.
Although he had to move to pursue his goal of playing in the WHL, Klassen says he was very lucky to play his midget season at home with the Mintos.
“It’s an excellent organization in PA. This midget league is a strong league and a lot of good players come out of it. It was nice to stay home during my midget year, lots of kids have to move. I was lucky to stay at home with a great organization. My coach when I was 15, Ken Morrison did a great job coaching there. We had a lot of players who ended up playing in the WHL and still are. The competitiveness we had in our team translated to the next level and helped the guys move on.
In 57 career games with Prince Albert Minto, Klassen had 42 goals and 31 assists.
A date circled on the calendar for Klassen, along with his close family and friends is Jan. 10, 2023 when the Portland Winterhawks travel to Prince Albert to face the Raiders at the Art Hauser Center.
Klassen says it’s been a long time coming, but he’s looking forward to being his hometown villain that night.
“It’s crazy that I’ve been in the league for four years and this is my first time coming home. It’s going to be a super fun night. It’s going to be a little weird being on the opposite side where all the fans aren’t supporting me, but I’m sure we’ll have a good section for the Winterhawks. It’s a fun rink to play. It gets quite loud and energetic.
sports@paherald.sk.ca
