WHL Portland Winterhawks

Mike Johnston Joins Switzerland's World Championship Coaching Staff

Published on April 27, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Portland Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston has joined the coaching staff of Switzerland's World Championship team as an assistant coach for next month's tournament.

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. It's scheduled to take place from May 7-23 in Germany.

"I'm honored the Swiss Ice Hockey Association offered me this opportunity, and I'm very excited to take part in the tournament again," said Johnston. "Switzerland is an emerging hockey country with a top-four finish at the World Junior Championship this year and an impressive showing in the Olympics. I'm eager to get started with the talented players who will make up the roster."

Johnston has extensive experience at the World Championship, having been an assistant coach for Canada in the 1995, 1996, 1997 and 2007 tournaments. He won gold medals in 2007 and 1997, with the 2007 team going a perfect 9-0. He won silver with the 1996 team and bronze with the 1995 team. Johnston will be working with a fellow Canadian behind the Swiss bench. Sean Simpson is Switzerland's head coach, and he coaches professionally in Switzerland.

Johnston will be familiar with at least one player in the tryout camp, as it was announced last week that Winterhawks forward and Swiss native Nino Niederreiter will be trying out for the team. Niederreiter led Portland with 36 goals in the 2009-10 season, becoming the first Winterhawk with 30+ goals since 2004-05, and finished with 60 points. After the season he was named to the Western Hockey League's Western Conference Second All-Star Team.

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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Western Hockey League Stories from April 27, 2010


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