Keep Portland Weird

One of those is Cathy Kemp.

I knew Cathy as a longtime supporter of the Portland Winterhawks. She was more than just a season ticket holder, she was a member of the Portland Winterhawks Booster Club, and she was darn proud of it.

Along with her husband, Stuart, the two were always sitting at the Booster Club’s table in the arena foyer when I walked by for a quick handshake and a chat.

I was wondering if they would both be sitting there during my visit this past weekend, ready to greet me with those smiles that often included a little friendly trash talk, specifically from Stuart, about how great the Winterhawks are and how poorly the Rockets were playing.

Concern came over me when I saw neither of them there as I made my stroll around the concourse Saturday afternoon. Knowing Cathy was dealing with health issues and going through tests in hospital, I was wondering if things had come to a happy ending and her health was restored.

I clearly didn’t understand the severity of her condition, until Stuart passed along the news that she had passed at 5:40 pm that afternoon, almost an hour after I walked past the Booster Club table to say hello.

Cathy was not only a regular at Winterhawks home games, but she was often on a fan bus the Booster Club organized, which featured trips to watch the team play in Kelowna, and most recently Prince George.

To Stuart Kemp, and to all who met Cathy, my deepest condolences on her passing. I’ve read many of the heartfelt posts about how she touched the lives of others and that her life was one of fun, laughter and filled with friends.

Speaking of health issues, I was hoping to say hello to Dan Folwick, the former long-time public-address announcer of the Winterhawks. He too is going through health struggles, forcing him to use a walker. I had hoped to see him prior to Saturday’s game, but he was unable to attend after another health issue got in his way. He was going to introduce me to his newly purchased wheelchair, which would aid him in his quest to watch his favourite team play. That face-to-face visit will have to wait until next season.
Veterans Memorial Coliseum is the oldest arena in the WHL. I spoke glowingly about it on the broadcasts this past weekend. It is really a gem. As I get older, the musty smell, the dilapidated seats and the history of the building makes it so wonderful. The Winterhawks have done a nice job of adding modern day conveniences to the 62-year-old facility, but its old school charm makes it one of the most interesting buildings to visit on the 22-team circuit.
The Winterhawks have a new PA announcer this season. After 13 seasons, Shaun Norris no longer sits beside me in the cramped broadcast location at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Norris wants to spend more time with his family, as the commitment level was just too great for the father of a new baby. Norris’ claim to fame was being a contestant on Jeopardy with Alex Trebek, who sadly isn’t with us anymore. Replacing Norris behind the mic is newcomer Michael Burles, who as you can see in the photo, wasn’t afraid to dress up for the Halloween game on Saturday night.
The only gripe I have with the broadcast location in Portland, is the inability to stand to call the game. I must remain seated, and if you are a singer, and you are slouched over, you know that posture isn’t exactly ideal in an effort to project. The reason I need to remain with my butt stapled to a folding chair is off-ice officials are situated behind me, also seated, doing what they need to do. Truth be told, I stand 99% of the time when calling a game. It allows me to move my twitchy legs and permits me to become a little more animated.
Hot meals were served in the Winterhawks media room both Friday and Saturday. In a time of fiscal restraint, (sorry Seattle Thunderbirds, your cookies aren’t cutting it), the Portland ownership group doesn’t often miss the mark on the fine details.
The dreaded slew foot penalty. We don’t see them often in the WHL, thankfully. Kelowna Rockets d-man Noah Dorey was ejected from Friday’s game because of the infraction and was suspended for one game because of it. Again, we don’t see a slew foot penalty called often, I was wondering if it is worthy of a game misconduct. Apparently, it is but I’ve also been told it can warrant a double minor as well.
Is it just me or are WHL referee’s handing out penalty shots like you would Halloween candy? We had two penalty shots on the weekend involving the Rockets and Winterhawks, with both Turner McMillen and James Stefan failing in their quest to find the back of the net. The success rate is extremely low for the shooter in these scenarios. How low? The shooter has scored just three times on 13 chances across the entire WHL.
Rockets goaltender Jari Kykkanen has already been involved in three penalty shot situations this season. The 18-year-old has allowed one goal against. Teammate Talyn Boyko has faced one penalty shot, where he too was able to shut the door.
The Rosebuds were on full display this past weekend, with the dance team preforming on both Friday and Saturday night. For the first time – ever – a male dancer was on the ice, which was a shock to the system. In this every changing world of inclusion, why not have him on the ice with the female dancers shaking his booty, especially if he has the moves. The dude, by my uneducated eyes – has game.
It is always nice receiving texts on the road from those listening from abroad. Reagan Krivsky, a long-time supporter of the Rockets and my career here in Kelowna, yes we hug when we see each other, sent me a text from Mexico, where she is spending the winter. Krivsky informed me that the RocketFAN app is outstanding and the clarity of the audio to listen to the game, down in the sunny south, was as clean and crisp as we touted it to be.

by Regan Bartel

Keep Portland Weird

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