The WHL journey is taking flight for a 17-year-old Okotoks goalie.
Marek Schlenker signed his WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Portland Winterhawks on Jan. 3, just over two years after hearing his named called by the Oregon team in the Prospects Draft.
“After playing well at the Winterhawks Neely Cup Training Camp, Marek has made the most of the quality coaching at SAHA to develop his game. He has earned recent recognition as a top tier goalie at CSSHL U18 Showcase in December, and his play at the Circle K in Calgary,” said Mike Coflin, Winterhawks’ assistant to the general manager and director of scouting, in a team release.
“The first half of his season has been steady and he’s allowed his game to mature. Our staff is excited to sign Marek and welcome him to the Portland Winterhawks family.”
https://twitter.com/pdxwinterhawks/status/1742633052415893716
Schlenker is coming off a strong showing at the Circle K Classic tournament in Calgary as a member of the South Alberta Hockey Academy, highlighted by two player of the game performances, including a 47-save win against Chicago.
In the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, Schlenker posted a .930 save percentage, 2.33 goals against average and eight wins.
The 6-foot, 165-pound netminder plied his trade with the Okotoks Bow Mark Oilers during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons and played in Okotoks at the U15 AAA and AA levels.
Schlenker was drafted by the Winterhawks in the 2021 Prospects Draft, in the eighth round, and has attended two pre-season training camps with Portland.
He was expected to join the team ahead of its Jan. 5 game against the Everett Silvertips.
For more information, visit chl.ca/whl-winterhawks.
