CALGARY, AB. – The Western Hockey League is pleased to introduce Denny’s as the sponsor of the WHL Player of the Week Program. The Denny’s WHL Player of the Week highlights the exceptional play from one individual around the League, who made a significant contributed to his team’s overall success. The Denny’s WHL Player of the Week is announced each Monday throughout the season and will also include a video component this year comprising of highlights of the recognized player from the past week.

The Western Hockey League announced today that Portland Winterhawks forward Nicolas Petan is the Denny’s WHL Player of the Week.

Petan led all WHL scorers collecting eight points, scoring four goals and four assists to go with a +6 rating, in three games over the WHL Opening Weekend helping the Winterhawks to a 2-1-0-0 record.

On Friday, September 21, the Winterhawks opened their regular season at home hosting the Seattle Thunderbirds. Petan picked up one goal and one assist in the ‘Hawks 5-2 loss to the Tbirds. The next night, Saturday, September 22, the Winterhawks were in Seattle for their home-opener at the ShoWare Center. Petan scored one goal, three assists and was named the game’s 1st Star in the Winterhawks 6-2 victory over the Thunderbirds. On Sunday, September 23, the Winterhawks travelled to Kennewick to face the Tri-City Americans. Petan gathered two more goals and was again named the game’s 1st Star as the Winterhawks doubled up the Americans 4-2.

A 17-year-old from Delta, BC, Petan is in his second full season with the Portland Winterhawks. A 1st round – 16th overall selection by the ‘Hawks in the 2010 WHL Draft, Petan gathered 35 points in his rookie season scoring 14 goals and adding 21 assists.

The WHL has also nominated Luke Siemens of the Prince Albert Raiders for the CHL Goaltender of the Week Award. Siemensposted a 1-0-0-1 record this past week, stopping 67 of 70 shots faced for a 0.957 save-percentage and 1.44 goals-against average. Siemens, a 20-year-old from South Delta, BC, helped the Raiders collect three of a possible four points over the Saskatoon Blades during the WHL Opening Weekend.

Denny’s WHL Player of the Week

Sept. 20 – Sept. 23: Nicolas Petan, Portland Winterhawks