The Portland Winterhawks have finalized their coaching staff for the 2024-25 season, bringing back a familiar face to the Rose City. Sven Bäertschi, a former Winterhawks star and NHL veteran, has joined the team as an assistant coach.
Bäertschi’s return to Portland brings his career full circle for both the player and the team. Before embarking on his professional career, Bäertschi was a standout in the WHL, where he spent two seasons lighting up the scoreboard for the Winterhawks. During his time in Portland, Bäertschi recorded an impressive 179 points in 113 games, helping lead the team to back-to-back WHL Finals. His stellar performance in the 2010-11 season also led to his selection in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft, going 13th overall to the Calgary Flames.
After his WHL success, Bäertschi spent 10 seasons in the NHL, where he played for the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, and Vegas Golden Knights. Over the course of his NHL career, Bäertschi registered 66 goals and 72 assists in 292 games. He had his most productive years with the Canucks, notching 58 goals and 52 assists across 225 games from 2014 to 2020. Most recently, Bäertschi returned to his roots, skating for his hometown team, SC Bern, during the 2022-23 season.
Now Bäertschi is back in Portland, but this time he’s stepping behind the bench to begin his coaching career. Winterhawks Head Coach Kyle Gustafson expressed his excitement about Bäertschi’s return, noting that his experience as a high-level player and his familiarity with the team’s culture will be invaluable assets.
“Sven has played the game at the highest level, knows our culture, and is eager to work with our group,” Gustafson said.
Bäertschi won’t be the only new face behind the Winterhawks’ bench this season. Mike Fanelli, another new assistant coach, joins the team with a wealth of experience, including time spent in NHL circles and working with top-tier players during the Edmonton Oilers’ recent playoff run. Additionally, Travis Hoy has been brought on as the Winterhawks’ new goaltender coach. Gustafson praised the new hires, highlighting the diverse skill sets each coach brings to the staff.
“We’re very fortunate to have Mike, Sven, and Travis in Portland. They all bring great knowledge to our coaching staff in their own ways,” he added.
The Winterhawks will open their 2024-25 season on the road in Kamloops on Friday, September 20, before returning to Veterans Memorial Coliseum for their home opener against the Victoria Royals on Friday, October 4. As mentioned by Gustafson, fans can look forward to a season filled with new coaching dynamics and the continued development of the team’s young talent.