WHL NOTEBOOK

The nightmare is nearly over in Portland.

With the WHL’s board of governors approving the sale of the Winter Hawks to Bill Gallacher last week, the two-plus year reign of the Jim Goldsmith-led ownership group is mercifully on the verge of ending.

“We weren’t achieving the level and standard (of ownership) we expected … and they needed to pursue a sale of the team,” WHL commissioner Ron Robison told the Portland Tribune.

Gallacher, an Alberta oil tycoon and the owner of the Nanaimo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League, has declined interview requests until the sale is finalized, which is expected to happen by the end of the month.

Portland has been a complete disaster since the group led by Goldsmith, a New York-based businessman, bought the team in 2006. Once one of the league’s proudest franchises, under Goldsmith’s watch the Winter Hawks went 29-116-3-3, saw attendance plummet, were hounded by rumors of unpaid bills, and had a slew of players leave the team.

But with Gallacher on his way the league hopes the two-time Memorial Cup champion is on its way to recovery.

“(Gallacher) is a very passionate individual of hockey and a highly successful businessman who’s committed to the restoration of the Portland franchise, on and off the ice,” Robison said.

The complications aren’t completely over for the Winter Hawks, however. Indications are Gallacher plans to overhaul hockey operations, bringing new people in to run the front office and the coaching staff, and perhaps even new players from the college or junior A ranks. Portland departed for its swing through the East Division prior to the league’s vote on the sale, which was unanimous, and it’s unknown who will be in what position when the team returns.

“The more we think about the whole coaching thing, the more everyone gets off guard, veers away from just playing,” forward Colin Reddin told the Tribune. “It’s best that we let whatever happens happen.

“It’s the way it goes, it’s professional, it’s a job. If we need new coaches and players, that’s the way it goes. But, it’s definitely going to be a shocker for the team (if coaches change). How everyone adjusts will be important.”

Around the WHL: The deadline to get down to three overagers was last Thursday, with a number of teams making moves to get to the limit. Brandon traded defenseman Matt McCue to Medicine Hat in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2009 bantam draft. Lethbridge sent forward Adam Chornyeko to Saskatoon for a fifth rounder in 2009. Calgary released goaltender Dan Spence and Tri-City released forward Blair Macaulay. Macaulay was selected by Portland in the overager draft, but has not yet reported. … Prince George made a couple roster moves. Disgruntled 18-year-old forward Dale Hunt, the third-overall pick in the 2005 bantam draft, was sent home to await a trade. Also, the Cougars acquired 19-year-old goaltender Joe Caligiuri from Brandon for a seventh-rounder in 2009. … Lethbridge picked up one of the league’s other available 19-year-old goaltenders, getting Torrie Jung from Kelowna for a sixth rounder in 2010. … Brandon forward Jay Fehr was named the WHL Player of the Week. Fehr had five goals and four assists in three games as the Wheat Kings went 2-0-1-0.

League leaders: Points — Evander Kane (Vancouver) 22; goals — Brandon Kozun (Calgary) 10; assists — Casey Pierro-Zabotel (Vancouver) 17; penalty minutes — Alex Plante (Calgary) 42; wins — Mark Guggenberger (Swift Current), Dustin Tokarski (Spokane) 7; goals against average — Tokarski 1.38; save percentage — Tokarski .956.

Nick Patterson’s Silvertips blog: http://www.heraldnet.com/silvertipsblog

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Storm suffocates Valkyries late to knock off rivals

The Storm allowed just six points in the final six minutes to defeat Golden State 67-58.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a news conference following a meeting of the NBA's board of governors at the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens / Las Vegas Review-Journal / Tribune News Services)
NBA to conduct ‘in-depth analysis’ of possible expansion

The owners do not have timetable for potential return of Sonics

Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practices at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton on May 20, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks draft pick at the center of NFL contract intrigue

Nick Emmanwori is poised to be dynamic. Right away. He’s on his… Continue reading

Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting three home runs in the swing-off to decide the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/TNS)
MLB All-Star Game features a first-of-its-kind finish

Technically, by the time the clock hit midnight here in… Continue reading

Cal Raleigh wins 2025 MLB Home Run Derby

Cal Raleigh called his shot years ago. In a childhood video spreading… Continue reading

Silvertips forward Shea Busch participates in the Florida Panthers development camp at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on July 1, 2025. Florida selected Busch in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on June 28. (Photo courtesy Shea Busch)
Shea Busch experiences whirlwind NHL Draft week

The Florida Panthers selected the Silvertips forward in the fourth round on June 28.

Portland Fire unveil name, branding as WNBA’s 15th team

A flame is being reignited for Portland’s new WNBA franchise. On Tuesday,… Continue reading

Late Mystics surge dooms Storm as stars struggle

Seattle dropped to 13-9 after shooting 36.2% from the field.

Jorge Polanco (7), right, of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his ninth inning home run with J.P. Crawford (3) while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Detroit. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Mariners sweep Tigers on way to All-Star break

The Detroit Tigers still have the best record in baseball,… Continue reading

Mariners select LSU pitcher with No. 3 pick in MLB draft

College baseball’s best pitcher is coming to the Emerald City. The Seattle… Continue reading

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning championship point against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Gentlemen's Singles Final on day 14 of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London. (Julian Finney / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Sinner conquers Alcaraz for his first Wimbledon title

The vision of Jannik Sinner covered in sweat and… Continue reading

Rome Odunze scans the field in a scrimmage at his youth football camp at Archbishop Murphy High School on July 10, 2025. The former University of Washington star is entering his second NFL season with the Chicago Bears. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Odunze ‘gives back’ in Everett youth football camp

The former University of Washington star hosts a single-day camp at Archbishop Murphy on Thursday.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.