WHL Portland Winterhawks

Ryan Johansen and Nino Niederreiter Selected Fourth and Fifth Overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft

Published on June 25, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Portland Winterhawks players Ryan Johansen and Nino Niederreiter were selected in the first round of the 2010 National Hockey League Entry Draft Friday. Johansen was selected fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets, while Niederreiter went fifth overall to the New York Islanders.

It's the first time in franchise history the Winterhawks have had two players taken in the top-five of the same draft. Johansen is the highest-drafted Winterhawk since Glen Wesley was taken third overall by the Boston Bruins in 1987. In addition, Niederreiter became the highest-drafted Swiss player in NHL Draft history. That distinction had been held by Michael Reisen, who was selected 14th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 1997.

"This is a very exciting day for Ryan, Nino, their families and for the entire Portland Winterhawks organization. We couldn't be prouder of them on being first round NHL draft picks," said Portland Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston. "It's incredibly rare for a team to have two players taken in the top-five of the draft, but both players worked incredibly hard this year to get to where they are, and their NHL teams will be very pleased with their selections."

"Ryan and Nino are two special players and terrific young men. It's a testament to the progress our franchise has made to have two players taken in the top-five of the draft," said Winterhawks President Doug Piper. "Hockey fans in Portland shouldn't miss out on getting their tickets for the 2010-11 season to enjoy these world-class players."

Johansen scored 25 goals and added 44 assists for 69 points in his first WHL season, second on the Winterhawks and tied for second among all WHL rookies. He also led both the Winterhawks and all WHL rookies with 18 points in the playoffs. He was one of four Winterhawks to play at the CHL Top Prospects Game, and has been invited to try out for Canada's 2011 World Junior team.

Niederreiter led Portland with 36 goals, becoming the first Winterhawk with 30+ goals since 2004-05, and finished with 60 points. He added 16 points in the playoffs and was named to the WHL's Second All-Star team. He also represented his native Switzerland at the 2010 World Junior Championship, led the team to the semifinals and was named to the tournament All-Star team. He also played for Switzerland at the 2010 World Championship.

Johansen and Niederreiter are the first Winterhawks players to be taken in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft since 2003, when defenseman Braydon Coburn was taken eighth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers. It's also the first time since 1987 the team has had two first round picks.

The Winterhawks have now had 23 players taken in the first round of the NHL Draft in their history, and 109 players selected overall. Several more Winterhawks are expected to be selected when the Draft continues with rounds 2 - 7 Saturday morning.

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 June 25, 2010


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