Nino Niederreiter Named To Switzerland's World Championship Team
May 10, 2010 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
Portland Winterhawks forward Nino Niederreiter has been named to the Swiss team that is competing in the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation's (IIHF) World Championship.
The World Championship is an annual tournament with 16 countries taking part, including Canada, the Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden and the United States. The tournament features many of the world's best players, including players from the National Hockey League.
Switzerland has won its first two games with a 3-1 victory over Latvia Saturday and a 3-0 win over Italy earlier today. They will then play Canada on Wednesday to wrap up the preliminary round. The top three teams from each of the four groups will then advance to the qualifying round. Switzerland's game against Canada Wednesday is scheduled to be broadcast on Universal Sports.
Niederreiter led Portland with 36 goals in the 2009-10 season, becoming the first Winterhawk with 30+ goals since 2004-05, and he finished with 60 points. His 36 goals were second among all WHL rookies, he tied for the league lead among rookies with six game-winning goals, tied for third among first-year players with 11 power play goals and his 60 points ranked seventh among rookies. After the season he was named to the Western Hockey League's Western Conference Second All-Star Team.
Niederreiter also led the team with eight goals in the playoffs, and finished second on the team with 16 points in the postseason.
He also represented Switzerland at the 2010 World Junior Championship, leading them to the semifinals. He led the Swiss team with 10 points in seven games and was named to the tournament all-star team. Niederreiter also played in the 2010 Canadian Hockey League's Top Prospects Game, and in the NHL's Central Scouting final rankings, rated 12th among North American skaters. He is one of 100 players invited to attend the NHL Combine May 24-29 in Toronto, Ontario.
Winterhawks General Manager and Head Coach Mike Johnston had been named to serve as an assistant coach for the Swiss team, but stepped down for personal reasons.
Season tickets for the 2010-11 season are on sale now. Prices start at just $10.50 per game while a limited number of front row glass seats are available at only $23.50 per game. Contact the Winterhawks at 503-236-HAWK or seats@winterhawks.com to secure your seat for all 36 home games.
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