The Portland Winterhawks have turned the spotlight on two of their most celebrated alumni as the 2025‑26 Western Hockey League graduation cycle reaches its peak. Forward Alex Weiermair and defender Niko Tsakumis, each a cornerstone of the club’s recent success, are being honored in a team‑by‑team series that runs through August 2026.
A Tale of Two Graduates
Weiermair arrived in Portland in December 2024 and quickly made his presence felt, scoring his first WHL goal against the Vancouver Giants on December 7. Over his second season he led the Winterhawks with 93 points, finishing fifth in league scoring and capturing the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy along with the CHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year award.
His 93‑point campaign, built on 37 goals and 56 assists in 66 games, capped a career that began with 46 points in 41 games during his rookie year. The run included 23 playoff points in 18 games, helping Portland advance to the Western Conference Championship Series, and culminated in a three‑year entry‑level contract with the Vegas Golden Knights on March 1, 2026.
Tsakumis, a native of Richmond, British Columbia, brings a different kind of story to the graduation list. Drafted 117th overall by the Seattle Thunderbirds in 2020, he honed his craft with Everett Silvertips, Kamloops Blazers and Edmonton Oil Kings before arriving in Portland via a January 6, 2026 trade.
In his final WHL season he contributed three assists in 17 games, closing out a 197‑game career that yielded 46 points (6 goals, 40 assists) and added 27 playoff points in 40 contests. Though his statistical footprint was modest compared to Weiermair’s, his steady development across multiple programs underscored his resilience and adaptability.
Both players exemplify the WHL’s role as a launchpad for future talent. Their achievements — award‑winning academics, deep playoff runs, and professional contracts — highlight the league’s capacity to shape not only athletes but also well‑rounded young adults ready for the next chapter.