Brad Ross, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)...

Kelowna hockey fans are in for a treat with the resurgent Portland Winterhawks in town for a Friday night tilt against the Rockets at Prospera Place.

The trio of Brad Ross, Nino Neiderreiter and Ryan Johansen are all eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft in June. Neiderreiter and Johansen are WHL rookies while Ross is in his second full season. As a forward line combination, they have been consistent offensive contributors on the much improved Winterhawks, a team that looks like a legitimate threat for a deep playoff run this coming spring. And by the way, the "kids" are not even Portland's first line!

Here are the numbers through Jan. 14:

Ross...22 goals, 27 assists, 49 points, 45 games, +18, 121 pim's

Neiderreiter...25g, 18a, 43p, 39 games, +7, 58 pim's

Johansen...16g, 29a, 45p, 39 games, +9, 27 pim's

Neidereitter was the WHL's rookie scoring leader before he left the 'Hawks in mid-December for the World Junior Championship, where he was outstanding in leading Switzerland to a fourth place finish.

Johansen, who played for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL last season, has been selected to play in the 2010 Top Prospects Game in Windsor, Ontario next week.

Ross, the younger brother of former Regina Pats/Kamloops Blazers/Vancouver Giants defenceman Nick Ross, has been on the outside looking in as far as the Top Prospects Game and international play are concerned. However, all the Lethbridge, Alberta native has done is lead the 'Hawks in both scoring and penalty minutes so far this season.

We spoke with Ross today before the team went for a skate on their off-day in Kelowna.

Mike Johnston (WHL) Interview...

After limited success on and off the ice over the past decade, the Portland Winterhawks have emerged this season as a legitimate contender among the WHL's Western Conference teams. Yet the 20-12-0-1 record to date during the current campaign may only be a sign of things to come.

The Winterhawks are among the youngest of WHL teams along the blueline. The club recently acquired 20-year-old rearguard Eric Doyle through a trade with the Swift Current Broncos. Prior to the deal, 18-year-old Brett Ponich was the elder statesman on defence.

We discussed the current group of defencemen with General Manager and Head Coach Mike Johnston, as well as the NHL Draft eligible players in Portland. The list includes forwards Nino Neiderreiter, Ryan Johansen, Brad Ross and defenceman Troy Rutkowski.

And, the talented Winterhawks will potentially lose five players to the various international competitions over the Christmas break and through until mid-January. For a look at the entire Portland Winterhawks roster, click right here.