PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS
Where they stand: At 6-4-1 (13 points), the Winterhawks are second in the U.S. Division behind Tri-City (8-4-0, 16 points).
This week: Portland begins its longest road trip of the season — nine games over 17 days — with games Friday at Edmonton, Saturday at Red Deer, Tuesday at Calgary, and Wednesday at Medicine Hat.
Last week: Lost to Kamloops 5-4 (OT), beat Brandon 6-1, beat Saskatoon 7-6 (shootout).
Player of the week: Sven Bartschi. The second-year forward from Switzerland had three goals and four assists in two games last weekend, then added three assists and a shootout goal in Tuesday’s win over Saskatoon. Bartschi was named the Western Hockey League player of the week. In only eight games, Bartschi has five goals and 12 assists and is second on the team with 17 points.
Notes and numbers: Vancouver resident Trevor Cheek will face the Winterhawks for the second time as a member of the Calgary Hitmen on Tuesday. The center has two goals and one assist in seven games so far this season. He has been playing on Calgary’s second and third lines, and playing point on the power play. … Portland’s Brad Ross had four goals and four assists in the last three games. Ross, who has played all 11 games, leads Portland with 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists). Ross is sixth in the league in points and is followed by teammates Ty Rattie (9 goals, 8 assists, 17 points) and Bartschi. … The Winterhawks have a 443-316 advantage in shots on goal.
VANCOUVER VICTORY
Where they stand: At 4-2, the Victory are tied for second in the eight-team NORPAC behind 6-1 Southern Oregon.
This week: Vancouver plays five road games in five days, a stretch that started Thursday at Whitefish, Mont. The Victory also play Friday and Saturday at Glacier, and on Sunday and Monday at Butte.
Last week: Vancouver lost to Southern Oregon on Oct. 14, beat Southern Oregon on Oct. 15, and beat Glacier on Oct. 16.
Noteworthy: Avik Bordak leads the league with eight goals through six games. He ranks fourth in scoring with 16 points (8 goals, 8 assists). Joe Bordak is right behind with 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists). … Glacier coach Joakim Falt coached the Portland/Fort Vancouver Pioneers 2001-06 and the River City Jaguars for three seasons prior to that team’s move to Vancouver last season.
