Trio latest in Hounds prospect pipeline

Thursday January 28, 2016

By Josh Sweetland/CHL

The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are perennial prospect providers for the BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

The northern OHL franchise best known for producing the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Ron Francis, Joe Thornton and many more has been represented at the event for six straight years, the longest current streak in the CHL. During that span, the Greyhounds have sent 11 players to the BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game including the likes of Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse (2013), Vancouver Canucks forward Jared McCann (2014) and 2015 American Hockey League Goaltender of the Year Matt Murray (2012).

This year’s representation includes a trio of forwards, all of whom are ranked inside the top 35 North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings that were released back on January 19th.

“It’s a prestigious organization,” said big Team Cherry winger Tim Gettinger who will square off against teammates Boris Katchouk and Jack Kopacka of Team Orr on Thursday in Vancouver. “We walk past the wall of fame every day when we head into the locker room and you’re always reminded that you’re a part of something bigger. Every Greyhound to ever play in the NHL is on that wall and it’s really something to think about the players that have come before you.”

Gettinger, who is a long way from his North Olmstead, Ohio home playing in the far reaches of Sault Ste. Marie, says it’s quite the hockey town.

“The fans are among the most passionate in the OHL and they certainly let us know how we’re playing. They’re very supportive but I also think they expect our best effort, and that’s what we’re always striving for.”

While Gettinger was part of a Greyhounds team that made it to the Western Conference finals last spring, another Hounds forward was on his own playoff journey wearing a different uniform in the city. Rookie winger Boris Katchouk was a member of the Soo Thunderbirds Jr. A team as a 16 year-old and won an NOJHL title before going on to win the Dudley Hewitt Cup.

A former second round pick by the Greyhounds in 2014, Katchouk played a big part in the Thunderbirds success as one of their leading scorers throughout the regular season and into the playoffs. He set up the game-winning goal in the Dudley Hewitt championship game as the Thunderbirds defeated the Fort Frances Lakers 3-2.

“It’s a city that’s pretty far from home for me,” said the Waterloo, ON, native, “but the Greyhounds organization is among the best in the entire Canadian Hockey League and it’s a place that I’ve really enjoyed playing. It’s a tight-knit community where everybody knows each other and the support for the team is incredible.”

Katchouk, Gettinger and Kopacka follow in the footsteps of high profile Greyhounds of the past such as Joe Thornton (1997), Trevor Daley and Jeff Carter (2002) to suit up in the BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

For Gettinger, who is squaring off against his two Hounds teammates as a member of Team Cherry, allegiances will be put on hold come puckdrop.

“It’s certainly a great time being here with these guys, but I think we all know what needs to be done on Thursday,” he said. “Once that puck drops, we’re strangers for 60 minutes.”

The three Greyhounds are among 20 OHL players competing in the annual showcase that will be aired across the country on Sportsnet and can also be seen on TVA Sports and in the United States on NHL Network on Thursday at 9:00pm EST/6:00pm PST.

For news, stories, history and more, please visit bmotopprospects.ca.