THE MacBETH REPORT: Garth MacBeth, our man with both eyes on the European scene, reports that F Viktor Sjödin, who was dropped earlier this month by the Portland Winter Hawks, has signed with Bofors (Sweden Allsvenskan) in Karlskoga, Sweden. The contract extends through the end of the 2008-2009 season. . . . Sjodin had returned to Västerås about 10 days ago and practised last week with his old club, Västerås (Sweden Allsvenskan). . . .
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The Western Major Junior Hockey Writers Association’s weekly poll of WHL teams, showing ranking, last week, team, first-place votes and total points (22 for a first, 21 for second, etc.):
1. (2) Vancouver Giants (10) 361
2. (1) Spokane Chiefs (2) 351
3. (4) Tri-City Americans (2) 340
4. (3) Calgary Hitmen (3) 339
5. (6) Regina Pats 298
6. (5) Kelowna Rockets 293
7. (7) Lethbridge Hurricanes 270
8. (9) Kootenay Ice 256
9. (10) Moose Jaw Warriors 242
10. (8) Brandon Wheat Kings 222
11. (11) Medicine Hat Tigers 200
12. (T12) Everett Silvertips 190
13. (T12) Seattle Thunderbirds 166
14. (14) Swift Current Broncos 155
15. (15) Chilliwack Bruins 142
16. (16) Kamloops Blazers 118
17. (17) Edmonton Oil Kings 98
18. (19) Saskatoon Blades 84
19. (18) Prince Albert Raiders 74
20. (20) Red Deer Rebels 45
21. (21) Prince George Cougars 39
22. (22) Portland Winter Hawks 18