PHOTO BY SCOTT VANKOUGHNETT
OSHAWA – Alex Hutchings was just a rookie in 2006 when Bryan Little, who currently stars with the Atlanta Thrashers, last represented the Barrie Colts at the Top Prospects game.
Now in his NHL draft year, his third season in the OHL, Hutchings got his chance to represent his team at this year’s CHL-NHL Top Prospects Game that was held in Oshawa last night.
“It was pretty good,” said a smiling Hutchings. “I was a little nervous at the start but everything started flowing and I tried to have a little bit more fun.”
The Top Prospects Game is a showcase event that puts the top-40 draft eligible players in the CHL on two teams to show NHL scouts and general managers what they can do.
“It’s an honour to be here,” said Hutchings. “There are guys like [John] Tavares, who is supposed to be the next great thing, [Matt] Duchene and guys that have won gold medals like [Evander] Kane. It’s awesome to be on the same team as them and playing with them.”
Brampton Battalion forward and Hutchings’ teammate for the event, Matt Duchene, echoed those sentiments.
“Obviously, there’s a lot of talent out there. It’s just a good time. It’s not too serious and it’s good to have fun,” he said.
“At first you’re a little bit nervous to talk to him, then you get more comfortable and he teaches you a thing or two.”
Hutchings played on Team Cherry, coached by none other than the Hockey Night in Canada star Don Cherry. They beat Team Orr to win the super skills competition on Tuesday night.
Hutchings has been soaking up as much information from his head coach as he can over the last three days.
“It’s awesome,” he said about having Cherry for a coach. “You know, he’s a great guy. At first you’re a little bit nervous to talk to him, then you get more comfortable and he teaches you a thing or two.”
Hutching currently leads the Colts in goals (21) and points (41). He’s on pace for another career year for the Colts and was hoping to demonstrate his abilities to the hundred or so NHL scouts that were in attendance.
“I like to be called a player that can do almost anything, penalty kill, power-play,” said Hutchings. “I try to hit as much as I can. That’s kind of my thing I don’t do as well as some players like a Zack Kassian.”
Hutchings is projected to be a late first-round to mid-second round draft pick this June in Montreal. If he has his way, he’ll be headed to Hockeytown.
“I like Detroit, maybe Montreal. All the Canadian teams seem like a good fit but, definitely Detroit,” he said.
From the Barrie Advance
Topics: Atlanta Thrashers, Barrie Colts, Bryan Little, Don Cherry, Evander Kane, Matt Duchene, Oshawa, Top Prospects
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