The Winterhawks have an unprecedented 15 players away at National Hockey League training camps. However, that incredible success has come with a downside: with a depleted roster, the Portland Winterhawks have been forced to cancel both the preseason game against Seattle scheduled for Friday and the Street Fair scheduled for Saturday.

The Winterhawks dressed just 16 skaters for this past weekend’s preseason games, but lost one player to injury over the weekend and a second to a waiver claim from another team, leaving Portland with too few skaters to field a team for Friday’s game.

With the shortened roster, the organization decided to move many of planned Street Fair attractions and events to the opening night game on Friday, September 23.

“Having 15 players away at NHL training camps is a testament to the talent we have on our team, and a pretty nice problem to have,” said Portland Winterhawks President Doug Piper. “With our players in such demand at the next level, we decided to concentrate our hockey celebration on opening night next Friday.”

Hawks fans won’t want to miss next Friday’s 2011-12 regular season opening night at the Rose Garden when the team hosts the Everett Silvertips at 7 p.m. The Winterhawks will raise their 2010-11 U.S. Division and Western Conference championship banners to the rafters in an exciting event presented by Konica Minolta Business Solutions.

Five-game ticket plans are now available and start at just $60 per person and include five free gifts. Group rates start at 10 people ($16.50 per person) and every ticket includes a free Winterhawks hat. Call 503-236-HAWK or e-mail seats@winterhawks.com today to guarantee the best locations. Opening night is Friday, September 23, at 7 p.m. in the Rose Garden.