A local hockey star is only four wins away from heading to the Memorial Cup.
Airdrie’s Ty Rattie, who will likely be a first-round selection in next month’s NHL entry draft, has amassed 16 points in 16 games for the Portland Winterhawks during this year’s WHL playoff run.
The team opened the championship series at home against the Kootenay Ice, May 6, following wins over the Everett Silvertips, the Kelowna Rockets and the Spokane Chiefs.
“I think everyone around the rink right now is excited and we’re just getting prepared for game one tomorrow and looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s a confident attitude in the room right now. I think anytime a team can make the WHL final, its confidence will increase. Our biggest challenge right now is the travel. Driving six or seven hours back and forth to Spokane for six games was tough on the boys, but we’ve got our rest now and we’re really excited for this next series.”
Portland and Kootenay only met once during the regular season, a 5-3 Ice win on Dec. 1, but Rattie said his team would be prepared.
“I think our depth up front is one of the best in the league. We’ve got four good lines that can put the puck in the net and that can also stop a goal,” he said. “We don’t know a whole lot about them, as we only played them once. There’s a couple guys that guys know of, so we’ll be watching video on their past series and take what we can from that.”
The former AAA Bantam Airdrie Xtreme standout has been playing on a line with Sven Bartschi and Craig Cunningham and said the chemistry has been exceptional.
“They’re both great players,” Rattie said. “Sven is going to be a first-round pick this year and Craig is a former WHL MVP. I’m lucky to play with them. And I’m playing a lot more confident because of our line. I had a good last couple games going into the playoffs. I’m playing really well right now and hopefully I can keep it going.”
Rattie, who was ranked 17th by NHL Central Scouting in its final rankings, should become a first round pick in Minnesota on June 24. Portland’s long playoff run is only helping improve his likely draft status.
“It’s huge. Every time you come to the rink, you see 10 to 12 scouts. It’s exciting and just to have my name mentioned with all those great players for the coming NHL draft is an unreal feeling. I can’t wait for that day, but once each game gets started you focus on what you’re doing and what your team is doing.”
A trip to the Memorial Cup, to be held in Mississauga, Ont., from May 20-29, would be a fitting way to end his WHL career, Rattie said.
“It would be unbelievable. From day one, (head coach) Mike Johnston has said that’s our goal – and we’re four wins away from reaching it,” he said. “We’re preparing to go the Memorial Cup and, if we do, it will be the best feeling in the world.”
