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WHL Portland Winterhawks

Nino Niederreiter Invited To Swiss World Junior Team Camp

December 9, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Winterhawks forward Nino Niederreiter will attend Switzerland's tryout camp for their entry in the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship, set for December 26, 2009 - January 5, 2010 in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Switzerland's camp opens on December 19 in Saskatchewan, and the team will play two exhibition games before making final roster decisions on December 24. Niederreiter will miss Winterhawks games next weekend to attend camp, and will miss up to five games following the WHL's Christmas break if he's selected to the team.

Niederreiter, whom the Winterhawks traded up to acquire with the second overall pick in the 2009 Import Draft, leads all WHL rookies in scoring this season with 36 points, which also ranks second on the Winterhawks. His 19 goals this season lead the team.

"I'm very honored to have the opportunity to try out for Switzerland's World Junior Championship team," said Niederreiter. "I grew up watching the tournament every year dreaming of playing for my country and I'm hopeful that I make a good impression in camp and get that opportunity."

"Nino has had an outstanding rookie season to date and is very deserving of this honor," said Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston. "It's a testament to the improvement of our team that we have so many players who have been invited to represent their countries in international competition."

In addition to Niederreiter trying out for Switzerland at the World Junior championship, forward Luke Walker was named to the preliminary roster for the U.S. National Junior Team and will take part in a pre-tournament camp in Grand Forks, North Dakota, from Dec. 17 - 19 as he hopes to make the U.S. team that plays in the World Junior Championship.

Forward Gasper Kopitar is playing for Slovenia at the IIHF World Under-20 Division I Tournament from Dec. 14 - 20 in Meg=E8ve & Saint-Gervais, France. The winner of the tournament will then be promoted to the top division of the World Under-20 Tournament in 2011. In addition, forward Ty Rattie and defenseman Tyler Wotherspoon will play for Team Pacific at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Timmins, Ontario from December 29, 2009 to January 4, 2010.

The best sports entertainment value in the northwest are Winterhawks 10+10 Packs: 10 tickets and 10 Hawk Eyes hats starting at just $12 per person. Contact the Winterhawks at 503-236-HAWK (4295) or seats@winterhawks.com for more information.

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