CHL Weekend Review: Top Prospects take centre stage
All eyes were on Hamilton for the Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game where 40 of the league’s top NHL Draft eligible players put on quite a show.
While the next wave of NHL Draft talent took centre stage in a busy week across the CHL, there was plenty more on and off-ice action from coast-to-coast.
Here’s a look back at that and more news and note from around the league.
Hamilton Hosts Top Prospects
More than 6,400 seats were filled at FirstOntario Centre on Thursday night for the 25th annual NHL Draft showcase of the CHL’s top prospects. With all eyes on captains Alexis Lafreniere and Quinton Byfield, it was forward Tyson Foerster who emerged as the surprise star scoring twice with an assist to lead Team White to victory.
A great night in Hamilton with @KubotaCanadaLtd and @BulldogsOHL hosting top ranked #CHL talent in our 25th annual #NHLDraft showcase.
GALLERY 📸: https://t.co/w5Gf23Y5OI pic.twitter.com/GlKtfvzHhg
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) January 20, 2020
The Game: All eyes on Hamilton
Part four of this week’s #NHLDraft showcase series features Team White’s win with captain Lafreniere and a surprise star performance by Foerster.@KubotaCanadaLtd | #CHLKTP 🎥 pic.twitter.com/ZSvYag1M0s
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) January 20, 2020
Hometown Hockey in Hamilton
The Top Prospects Game wasn’t the only show in town over the weekend as the community of Ancaster, near Hamilton, hosted Rogers Hometown Hockey. Three more CHL cities will welcome tour stops in 2020, including Ottawa (Feb. 9), Quebec City (Feb. 16), and Edmonton (March 29).
https://twitter.com/hometownhockey_/status/1219058198759518208
Knights Retire Patrick Kane’s #88
Patrick Kane made the most of his single season in the CHL earning Rookie of the Year honours in 2006-07 with 145 points including 62 goals and 83 assists in 58 games for the London Knights. He was honoured by the club on Friday night with a ceremony that raised his iconic #88 to the rafters at Budweiser Gardens. The first overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft has won three Stanley Cups as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks and capped an eventful weekend with his 1000th career NHL point.
Honouring 8️⃣8️⃣ in London 👏
The @GoLondonKnights paid tribute to former @CHLHockey Rookie of the Year and @NHLBlackhawks three-time Stanley Cup champion @88PKane on Friday 📸
WATCH 🎥: https://t.co/LyfQFJE8oc pic.twitter.com/A1404aI0mn
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) January 18, 2020
Proud.
Congrats on having your @GoLondonKnights jersey raised to the rafters, Kaner! #ThatsHockeyBaby pic.twitter.com/gSyGcnEpGq
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 18, 2020
Thank you @GoLondonKnights for a night my family and I will never forget pic.twitter.com/ISWkFZ2USE
— Patrick Kane (@88PKane) January 18, 2020
game recognize game pic.twitter.com/9UdhYcUMyl
— London Knights (@LondonKnights) January 18, 2020
It was a big night for @NHLBlackhawks forward @88PKane as the @GoLondonKnights retired his number. The banner raised honored his ridiculously productive 2006-07.https://t.co/ESUnrKQXcA
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) January 18, 2020
Giants Honour Scott Bonner
The Vancouver Giants added Scott Bonner to the team’s Wall of Honour on Friday night. Bonner was the first General Manager in Giants history and held the position for 15 seasons (2001-02 through 2015-16) which included a 2006 WHL Championship, 2007 Memorial Cup, and five straight B.C. Division banners from 2006-10.
Thank you Scott Bonner for your many positive contributions to the legacy of the Vancouver Giants. We are thrilled to have you join the Wall of Honour this evening. @TheWHL @TSC_Hockey pic.twitter.com/FBJoa3w4WX
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) January 18, 2020
CIBC Helps Fans Hit Their Goals
The Official Bank of the CHL is celebrating with communities from coast-to-coast with a series of 23 game nights that include the popular ‘Hit Your Goals’ on ice promotion that rewards one lucky fan the opportunity to win $500.
#BladeCity! Thanks for coming out last night and making this year’s @CIBC Hit Your Goals Night spectacular. We’ll see you next time! #BeatTheBroncos pic.twitter.com/e5Y4wuDcZp
— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) January 18, 2020
Oil Kings Launch WHL’s Suits Up Campaign
The Edmonton Oil Kings were the first of 17 Canadian clubs in the WHL to sport special edition Hockey Night in Canada inspired sweaters as part of the league’s third ‘Suits Up’ campaign in partnership with RE/MAX and in support of the Kidney Foundation. The first two years of the event has raised more than $460,000 through local jersey auctions.
GAME DAY!@TheWHL Suits Up to Promote Organ Donation presented by @REMAXca is tonight! Join us for a 7pm puck drop on the Prince Albert Raiders at @RogersPlace! #allhail
TICKETS ➡️ https://t.co/N0WenbhiJH pic.twitter.com/luWfogHyah
— Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) January 17, 2020
Smith vs Smith
It was a special moment for the Smith family on Saturday night in Spokane where Chiefs defenceman Ty Smith lined up opposite brother Zack for a ceremonial face-off. Ty, who recently won gold with Canada at the World Junior Championship is in his fourth WHL season, while Zack is currently enjoying his rookie campaign as a member of the Regina Pats. Bragging rights went to Ty and the Chiefs who skated to a 6-2 victory.
How’s this for a sibling rivalry?@NJDevils prospect Ty Smith faces off against his younger brother Zack before tonight’s game! pic.twitter.com/qiX6id7YDG
— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) January 19, 2020
Battle of the Billet Brothers
Another set of brothers went head-to-head on Saturday night in Peterborough with a unique twist. Petes captain Zach Gallant billets with the Deline family whose son Ty is a member of the Flint Firebirds. Gallant and the Petes spoiled the homecoming defeating Ty’s Firebirds 2-0 in what was certainly a special night for the Deline family.
From the @PtboExaminer: @TyDeline44 making @OHLHockey hometown debut against his billet brother @ZachGally in Peterborough Saturday night.
📰 Read: https://t.co/9YrNCBsZyh pic.twitter.com/vFnQTD0HQC
— Flint Firebirds (@FlintFirebirds) January 18, 2020
300 Games for Kastelic
Calgary Hitmen captain Mark Kastelic became the latest CHL veteran to play in his 300th career game. His WHL tenure has been played entirely with the Hitmen where he’s amassed 207 points including 109 goals and 98 assists.
A huge milestone for the captain!! 🙌
Big congrats to Mark Kastelic on playing in his 300th career WHL game tonight! Kasty is the seventh player in franchise history to reach the milestone! #25Together pic.twitter.com/KR14MToaPO
— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) January 20, 2020
500 Games for Pouliot
Memorial Cup champion Mario Pouliot adds another milestone to a decorated coaching career reaching the 500 games mark. Now in his second year with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, Pouliot became the first coach to win two-straight Memorial Cups with different teams after leading the Acadie-Bathurst Titan to glory in 2018.
500 matchs dans la @LHJMQ pour Mario Pouliot👏
Great job Coach👍 Respect!
📸@Vincent_Ethier #HuskiesRNation pic.twitter.com/Iv7QYUdZu7— Huskies de Rouyn-Noranda (@HuskiesRn) January 18, 2020
McGregor Makes Sting History
Sarnia Sting captain Ryan McGregor also reached an impressive milestone over the weekend by playing in his 268th career OHL game which sets a new franchise mark. During his five-year stretch in Sarnia he’s produced 208 points including 80 goals and 128 assists.
History. Made.
With the drop of the puck, @ryanmcgregor84 moves into sole possession of first place for games played in franchise history.
We love ya, Cap. 🐝 pic.twitter.com/O45wl1QWPe
— Sarnia Sting (@StingHockey) January 18, 2020
New Captains
Several more clubs have announced changes to their leadership groups following trade deadline activity. The Lethbridge Hurricanes awarded the ‘C’ to co-captains Ty Prefontaine and Dylan Cozens, Conner Bruggen-Cate is the new captain of the Seattle Thunderbirds, Ethan Sakowich was appointed the honour by the Red Deer Rebels, and Jaxan Kaluski will now lead the Swift Current Broncos.
The #WHLCanes have named Ty Prefontaine and Dylan Cozens as Co-Captains for the remainder of the 2019-2020 season! They become the 27th and 28th Captains in franchise history! #CaneTrain #FueledByPassion #YQL
RELEASE: https://t.co/3PCgbU8t9i pic.twitter.com/E2F6SgPcj7
— Lethbridge Hurricanes (@WHLHurricanes) January 17, 2020
🥅 🏒 NEWS | Conner Bruggen-Cate Named Team Captain
🔗 https://t.co/J3pT3O5BI1 pic.twitter.com/XqahGFLlmK— Seattle Thunderbirds (@SeattleTbirds) January 15, 2020
Veteran defenceman Sakowich replacing Barteaux as Rebels captain. Story by @GregMeachem https://t.co/PsUHwVLZjN #RDR pic.twitter.com/XwWghQj1n3
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) January 15, 2020
NEWS: The Broncos have announced their new leadership group, with Jaxan Kaluski named the 33rd captain in Broncos history.
Hayden Ostir, Eric Houk, Aiden Bulych and Hendrik De Klerk will serve as alternate captains.
Details: https://t.co/TWi9ii1coB pic.twitter.com/L6l4HtNiIf
— Swift Current Broncos (@SCBroncos) January 20, 2020
Caring for the Community
Off-ice highlights from around the CHL in the community included the Rimouski Oceanic visiting their local hospital, NHL Draft prospect Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit making new friends in the pediatric intensive care unit at Covenant Saginaw, and the Prince George Cougars who made a special announcement in partnership with Autism BC to provide sensory kits at all home games.
Hier, Anthony D’Amours, Nathan Ouellet, Isaac Belliveau et Luka Verreault ont rendu visite aux jeunes de l’aile pédiatrique de l’Hôpital de Rimouski, dans le cadre de notre partenariat avec la Fondation du Centre hospitalier régional de Rimouski.#Oceanic25 pic.twitter.com/v4hEI5WQLV
— L'Océanic de Rimouski (@oceanicrimouski) January 17, 2020
Read more about today's announcement with @autismbc
DETAILS ➡️ https://t.co/rCbLViXBE7 pic.twitter.com/pqYmJQxOpX
— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) January 16, 2020
Cole Perfetti (@ColePerfetti91) spent the afternoon meeting new friends at @CovenantSaginaw's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Thank you for letting us visit ❤️#FettsFriends | #SoarWithUs pic.twitter.com/Gup8v2vuZV
— Saginaw Spirit (@SpiritHockey) January 20, 2020
Taste of the Pros
The Flint Firebirds took advantage of a recent trip to the nation’s capital to see what life is like for the Ottawa Senators. Sens coach DJ Smith won a Memorial Cup championship with the Oshawa Generals in 2015 with a staff that included current Firebirds bench boss Eric Wellwood.
Thanks to the @Senators and #Sens Head Coach D.J. Smith for giving us a tour of their facilities at the @CdnTireCtr today!
📸 Full Gallery: https://t.co/1kN7zdfxOP pic.twitter.com/AJZ27RhsHY
— Flint Firebirds (@FlintFirebirds) January 16, 2020
Thomas Honoured in Toronto
The gold medal accolades continued for Canadian World Junior hero Akil Thomas who recently attended a Toronto Raptors game and was saluted by his hometown.
Got a gold medalist in the house 🥇@AkilThomas2 | #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/JqCmorxjSX
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 18, 2020
Youth Olympics Feature Future CHL Talent
The Youth Olympics are underway in Switzerland with Canada’s men’s hockey team offering a glimpse at the future of our game. 2019 first overall WHL Bantam Draft pick Matthew Savoie of the Winnipeg ICE was recently named captain, while alternates Adam Fantilli and Tristan Luneau are top prospects for the 2020 OHL Priority Selection and the QMJHL Entry Draft. Canada will face the United States in Tuesday’s Semifinal.
https://twitter.com/HC_Men/status/1218221341821693952