"[Newkirk] is such a great guy, so outgoing, [he] always has a smile on his face. He really lightens the mood," Bellows said. "[He's] a really smart player too, brings lots of energy, finishes his checks, is tough to play against. I was really happy for him...That organization did so much for me and I think really helped with my transition to the pro level. They do things really well down there to prepare you. It's run top-notch."
After attending his first pro camp on Long Island, Newkirk was returned back to Portland in mid-September. The Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan native made an effort to utilize the valuable insight he gained from the Islanders coaching staff as he entered his third season with Portland.
"The coaches were really helpful in helping me define my game and come up with areas that I could focus on improving on this season [with Portland]," Newkirk said. "I want to be that responsible, two-way forward that can create those turnovers, be hard to play against and create on offense...I think you just know what your game is and have to play to your strengths to have success."
Newkirk was already off to a hot and prosperous start for the Winterhawks when his season came to an abrupt halt. The 19-year-old suffered a laceration to the arm from an errant skate on Nov. 20. Fortunately, the incision missed an artery and Newkirk only missed two games before he returned to the lineup nine days later.
"Not going to lie, it was pretty scary," Newkirk said. "You look down at your arm and just all you saw [in that moment] was blood. Fortunately, the cut itself really wasn't too bad. That kind of thing could be a lot worse. I was lucky."
Newkirk returned to the lineup on Nov. 29 and got his footing before kickstarting a 17-game point streak that lasted from Nov. 30 through Jan. 14. During that span, he amassed 23 points and scored 13 times. He kept the momentum going until the end of the year, including his first-career hat trick on Feb. 16.
