Troops make Gage Park appearance

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Cody Hodgson and Matt Duchene represented the Brampton Battalion at the opening event of the Investors Group’s concert series Thursday night.

The threat of rain limited the crowd to about 150, but centres Hodgson and Duchene signed autographs and distributed signed hockey sticks as prizes during the intermission of a performance by the Bluesual Suspects at Gage Park.

Both Ontario Hockey League players also showed off the gold medals they won with the Canadian team at the World Under-18 Championship at Kazan, Russia, in April.

“It’s too bad the weather didn’t encourage more people to come out,” said Hodgson, an 18-year-old from Markham, Ont., who captained Canada’s entry.  “But it was great to come out and meet and greet people in the community who show us tremendous support.”

Duchene, a 17-year-old resident of Haliburton, Ont., said the event was a good way to promote the club.

“Hopefully, it’ll translate to increased attendance and more tickets sales at our games.”

Hodgson and Duchene were both first-round picks in the OHL Priority Selection.

Hodgson, taken 17th overall in 2006, completed his second season with the Troops with 40 goals and 45 assists for 85 points in 68 games. He’s ranked 10th among North American-based skaters by the National Hockey League’s Central Scouting Service for the NHL Entry Draft at Ottawa on June 20- 21.

Duchene, the fifth overall pick in 2007, recorded 30 goals and 20 assists for 50 points in 64 games in his rookie season. He was also a member of the Ontario team that won gold at the World Under-17 Challenge at London in January.