Prospect Interview Featuring - Sven Bartschi

McKeen's correspondent Randy Gorman recently had the opportunity to interview forward Sven Bartschi of the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. Bartschi talks about his game, his minor hockey roots, playing for the Winterhawks, the biggest influence on his hockey career to date and his thoughts on the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

McKeen's: Where did you play your minor hockey?

Bartschi: I played all my minor hockey in the Swiss program from Langenthal. It's a real small town of about 10,000 people and I played right up through the ranks, even one year of the Men's League.

McKeen's: What is the biggest adjustment you had to make coming over from club team hockey in Switzerland to playing in the WHL and major junior hockey with the Portland Winterhawks?

Bartschi: I learned a lot last year when I played in the Swiss Mens League, as the players were faster and stronger than previous levels of hockey for me. The speed of the game, and the rinks are smaller and you have to think faster on your feet and move the puck, it's also a little more physical over here, but I expected that.

McKeen's: Was it easier coming over here knowing a couple of compatriots have played over here in former teammate Luca Sbisa, and current teammate Nino Niederreiter?

Bartschi: I talked a lot to Nino, and he explained to me what it was like to play in North America. So, the decision for me was easy to come over here. I wanted to play in the best junior league in the world.

McKeen's: What are your thoughts on being considered a top prospect for the draft in June?

Bartschi: It's a good feeling to see that I have a good standing in the rankings. For me, I just came over here to play and learn the North American-style-of-game and it's been a great experience here in Portland. If I get drafted it would be super, so we will see what happens.

McKeen's: What do you think the best part of your game is, and what are the things you want to work on personally?

Bartschi: I think I'm very good at protecting the puck against big guys, I think I have pretty decent speed and a good shot. I want to work on my defensive and physical game, and try to bring it in gradually, so we will see how it turns out.

McKeen's: Would it be a fair assessment to say that you have the ability to finish off plays with good hands, meaning a good touch around the net?

Bartschi: I think I have improved on these skills, I worked hard on this over the summer, so yes, it's fair to say I've improved on that as well as my stickhandling and my skills and ability to make plays.

McKeen's: Does it bother you that many scouts are in the building watching you night after night?

Bartschi: We play 72 games, so we all know they are there. You can't put to much pressure on yourself, whether you play a great game or a bad game. You will be assessed on your play regardless.

McKeen's: Have you learned a lot from your teammates and the coaching staff on this very talented team?

Bartschi: I was so excited when they picked me in the Import Draft. I have learned a lot from guys like Nino, Ryan Johansen, and Brad Ross. Mike Johnson, our coach is a great communicator and has brought me along and helped me fit in on the team and defined my role.

McKeen's: This obviously helps; when the team is successful it bodes well and helps the players exude confidence?

Bartschi: Yes, I think so, you see as we start the game with lots of shots and hits because we want to make things happen off the forecheck. Whether it's getting the puck deep in on the forecheck or tightening up defensively when the game is on the line, we are definitely focused on winning.

McKeen's: Who has had the greatest impact on your hockey career to date?

Bartschi: For sure it's my family, they have been so supportive. My dad has played the game and has coached me at one point. He knows what it takes to make it to the top.

McKeen's: How do you feel about the rankings, and do you really care about them?

Bartschi: Ranking's, are just that, the most important thing is the draft, and that's the only thing at the end of the season that will matter.

McKeen's: How important is learning defense to become an all-around player to progress to the next level?

Bartschi: I think it is so important, when you play good defense it helps your team win. The coach's stress that here, so it's important for everyone to pay attention to our systems and execute them during the game.

McKeen's: If there is one thing in the game of hockey you could change, what would that be, and why?

Bartschi: I like things the way they are now. I can't think of anything really off the top of my head that I would want to change.

McKeen's: Growing up watching NHL or European pro players, was there any particular player you wanted to pattern your game after?

Bartschi: Marian Hossa, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin. It was great watching these guys and learning from them, as they are great players and I was always excited watching them play.

McKeen's: What do you like to do in the off season to relax away from the game?

Bartschi: I like to go back home and hang out with my family and have some fun. Especially my brother, we are real close.