For one coach it marks his return to junior hockey, and for another it’s his first shot at being behind the bench after an illustrious NHL career.

2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Team Orr coach Pat Quinn and Team Cherry coach Mark Recchi have taken very different paths to reach this point in their hockey careers.

For Quinn, it’s been a career filled with ups-and-downs in his years of playing and coaching at the NHL level. Never winning a Stanley Cup, Quinn’s most prized victories as a coach were the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, the 2004 World Cup, and the 2008 IIHF World U18, and 2009 World Junior Championship.

His latest coaching stint was with the Edmonton Oilers in the 2009-2010 season, but was removed from the position after only one year. Now holding a Senior Advisor role with the club, Quinn says he’s happy to be back where he feels most comfortable.

“It kind of refreshes the memories I had with the under 18’s and under 20’s that I went to Russia with and then Ottawa,” Quinn said in a press conference on Tuesday. “Canadian kids are terrific and I really enjoyed that time then and I’m looking forward to this time now.”

On the flip-side, Recchi is less than a year removed from his days in the NHL, where he played over 1,600 career games, while amassing 577 goals and 1,533 points. The three-time Stanley Cup champion, most recently with the 2010-11 Boston Bruins, also said he’s looking forward to the opportunity.

“I’m a fan of junior hockey and a part owner, and really believe in the CHL,” Recchi said, referring to his hometown team of which he is involved with, the Kamloops Blazers. “It’s a fun time for me to go and watch these kids and be behind the bench.”

With such great talent in the line-up, it’s no wonder that both are excited to be involved with the game. Even with a few highly ranked players not able to participate, there is still a plethora of quality participants looking to catch a few eyes in the stands.

“When you look at the depth of our draft, it has always been the strength of the CHL,” Commissioner of the WHL and CHL Vice-President Ron Robison said. “We represent over 50% of the NHL draft and have been very dominant in recent years from a CHL standpoint. The reality is it opens the door to some players to really make an impression.”

And with a draft pool as close in comparison as any of the years before, it’s going to be extremely important for the players to try and standout as it could put them ahead of their counterparts.

“It’s a great opportunity for these kids to showcase what they can bring to the table,” Recchi said. “It can elevate them to a higher pick, and they can go out there and show that against the best they are the best.”

And while some players may get caught up in the glitz and the glamour of being in the national spotlight, Quinn believes it’s necessary, although maybe difficult, for them to stay focused.

“They’re at such an exciting stage in their lives…it’s becoming a way of life,” he said. “This game is important as it’s an attempt to help improve their development moving forward.”

Recchi said he won’t be hesitant however to give his input if he sees something in a player’s game that he might be able to suggest improvements on.

“I’ve been around the game a long time,” he said. “We’ll go over certain things if I see something. They have all the tools, it’s just helping them recognize it and lead them in the right direction.”

Even though it’s a quick two-day event, both said that they would pass on the best advice possible.

“I would say to really embrace the few days that they’re there together and the opportunity they have,” said Recchi. “It’s a big stage and don’t let it catch you. If you don’t embrace it then you might not bring your best.”

Quinn summed up his advice in one sentence.

“What they’re interested in is finding a good player, so be the player you are.”

Quinn will be joined behind the bench by Associate Coach Don Hay of the Vancouver Giants, while Recchi will be joined by Associate Coach Ryan Huska of the Kelowna Rockets.

Rangers forward, Radek Faksa, has impressed scouts across the country in a season where he has been scoring at a point per game pace.

Despite his terrific play, the Czech forward wasn’t expecting to show up at the top of the draft ranking but he knows what he has to do to not disappoint the rest of the way.

“It was a big surprise right away so I’m very happy but its just half of the season … I must always work hard,” Faksa said. “It’s hard because I’m tired from of playing a lot of games.  I didn’t play a lot of games [last season] so it’s different now. I hope I have good conditioning.”

All the same, Faksa’s success to this point has not gone unnoticed by Rangers’ Head Coach and General Manager, Steve Spott.

“I think Radek Faksa’s one of the smartest player’s we’ve had in the organization for a long time,” said Spott.  “He’s big, he’s strong and he plays the game hard.”

Coach Spott went on to express his belief that Faksa has a bright future ahead of him.

“He has all the NHL intangibles; he trains extremely hard off the ice, he works on his game in practice and ultimately, his hockey sense it as a world class level,” he said.  “He has the chance to be a great NHL second-line centre man.”

Nevertheless, just like any young player, Faksa has much to work on to prepare to play at the level of the National Hockey League.

“He’s gotta stay in the weight room, he has to continue to physically develop,” continued Spott.  “He’s a tall kid but he still has room to grow.  It’s a matter of working on your skating like all players do and then obviously getting stronger in the weight room.”

Having played at the World Junior Championship in Alberta last month, Faksa now has some familiarity with playing in a high-pressure game.

“It was a very good experience because I was young and it was in Canada so there were a lot of people … it was a very big experience for me,” said Faksa.

Despite ending the tournament without a medal, the experience gained from the competition will prove to be invaluable when it comes time to fighting for a position with an NHL hockey club next year.

These players will get their chance to stand out on the national stage in front of NHL General Mangers and hundreds of NHL team scouts, all with aspirations of moving up the NHL Draft board come June.

While some believe that the players chosen to participate are based solely on rankings, Chris Edwards of NHL Central Scouting described how they were selected to attend the two-day event which also includes a Skills Competition and three-on-three showcase on Tuesday January 31.

“All 30 NHL teams are given a ballot and GM’s submit twelve defenseman, four goaltenders and twenty-four forwards,” he explained. “From there, the guys with the most votes are taken, and the secondary guys – the next number of total votes – are added in if injuries happen.”

It’s then up to the members of Central Scouting, lead by Director Dan Marr, to continue the process.

“Once the teams are selected, we try and divide the players into two equal teams,” Edwards said. “If you look at the scores the last few years you’d think we weren’t doing a good job of it because there haven’t been that many close games.”

Because of those lopsided outcomes, the selection process has come under a bit of scrutiny, but Edwards believes that it’s not for a lack of trying, and defended Central Scouting’s decisions.

“We put a lot of effort into it and attempt to make it even, i.e. Left shot vs. Right shot, or where they are in our rankings, but it really hasn’t worked out. It’s really not from a lack of trying.”

Regardless, the game really solidifies the quality of players that are developing in the CHL, and also gives NHL GM’s who are typically very busy with their team schedules, a chance to watch all of these players under one roof.

It gets all of the guys in one place and gives them [GM’s] a chance to look at the players over two nights,” Edwards said. “They’ll go over each guy they’re interested in with the team’s Director of Scouting and will be able to form an opinion on them.”

As well, Edwards believes that staging an event with this many high calibre players is another great opportunity to show the commitment that both leagues have with one another.

“There’s always been a strong relationship between the NHL and the CHL, even historically, going back to the days of NHL teams sponsoring CHL teams,” he explained. “I still believe the vast majority of players are coming to the NHL from the CHL.”

There are a few noticeable absences from the game however, as top ranked players such as Alex Galchenyuk (Sarnia Sting) Morgan Rielly (Moose Jaw Warriors), and Slater Koekkoek (Peterborough Petes) will miss the game due to significant injuries that have kept them out of CHL lineups most of the season.

Edwards feels that although they are injured, their draft stock should not be affected.

“The GM’s aren’t going to see them this one time, but these guys have been seen a lot by their scouting departments, with the exception of Galchenyuk,” he said. “In his [Galchenyuk] case, it makes the NHL combine that much more important. It won’t affect him that much as long as he gets a clean bill of health and he’ll be back to 100%.”

And while players like Galchenyuk will be unable to play, the others competing will hope to solidify their positions as top ranked NHL prospects, and be one step closer to realizing their dream of being drafted on June 22nd in Pittsburgh.

The 19-year-old Red Wings prospect stood on his head for the Czech Republic and was nothing short of a crowd pleaser for the Canadian fans between Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta.

“He kept us in all tournament,” commented fellow teammate and current Kitchener Ranger Radek Faksa. “He’s an amazing goalie.”

Voted “Best Goaltender” by a majority of over 475 media members, Mrazek’s play was in refute to the Czech Hockey Federation, who had previously banned him from the tournament. Mrazek opted to leave his home country – and his final year on a hockey contract – to play with the Ottawa 67’s in the Ontario Hockey League. Czech management was less than pleased with his decision to neglect the contract and consequently banned him from international play.

In his third season with the 67’s, among the league leaders in just about every statistical category for goaltenders – goals-against-average, save percentage, wins, shutouts and saves – the Czechs buried their feud, realizing just how much of an asset Mrazek would be to their team.

Aside from his 2.44 goals-against-average and .928 save percentage through six games at the WJC, it was Mrazek’s eccentric celebrations that endeared him to fans.

In a preliminary match-up against Team Canada, he denied Canadian sniper Mark Stone and showed his enthusiasm with a knee-drop fist pump – typically not seen from goalies. In a 5-2 upset knocking Team USA out of medal contention, he celebrated, jumped in team pile-ups and saluted the crowd in what he cited as his best performance ever between the pipes.

“It’s an unreal feeling,” said Mrazek who played out his final year of WJC eligibility. “To have the crowd stand up and to chant your name.”

The Czechs eventually succumbed in a quarterfinal loss to Team Russia, the defending gold medalists.

“No one expected this from us at the start of the tournament,” said Mrazek following the game. “I was happy with our team, but we had a chance to play in the semifinal for a medal and we lost so we can’t talk about it.”

The Czech’s went on to a fifth place finish, defeating Slovakia in the relegation round.

“It’s difficult, but it’s just hockey. You have to take it and learn from it.”

The 6-foot, 170-pound forward opted to make the move from his hometown Swiss Elite League, to the coveted OHL for the start of the 2011-12 season.

“I felt that in Switzerland we weren’t getting much exposure outside of the national team,” said Richard.  “I figured that if I came over here and played good hockey, I’d have a better chance at being drafted.”

Richard was first spotted at the 2010 U-18 tournament, despite Switzerland’s seventh place finish. The crafty scorer caught the eye of Canadian scouts and went on to be selected 28th overall by the Guelph Storm in the 2011 CHL Import Draft.

Perhaps to his advantage, was his father’s familiar hockey name to the members of the Storm. In the mid-80’s Tanner’s father, Mike Richard, played for the old Toronto Marlboros in Guelph, prior to their relocation. Mike went on to skate three pro seasons in North America, before finishing his 20-plus year career in Europe.

As a result Tanner has duel citizenship and a familiarity with North American culture that has made his transition to the OHL quite smooth. He is currently leading his team with 43 points (10 goals, 24 assists) through 30 games. He also has 36 penalty minutes.

Richard now has one of his biggest opportunities to impress NHL scouts – at the Under-20 World Junior Championships. His Swiss counterparts have already begun camp, but Richard will wait to leave his club team and meet the national team on December 17th.

“I’ve been following the world juniors for as long as I can remember,” said Richard, who hadn’t played on an international stage until this past year. “I started out as the 13th forward for Switzerland and just worked my way up.”

Tanner went on to lead the Swiss national team with five points in six games at the U-18 tournament; he was also named player of the game on two occasions.

“I think I had a good showing at the U-18’s and I had a pretty strong showing at the U-20 camp and Four Nations tournament,” said Richard. “I earned myself a spot up front in a more offensive role.”

Tanner played his final game for the Storm last Friday in London against the number one nationally ranked Knights. He will then take off to Calgary to meet up with his Swiss teammates in preparation for the beginning of the tournament.

“He had a real good game tonight,” commented Storm head coach Scott Walker following the loss. “He really took charge of playing and playing hard. He’ll be a real good player for Team Switzerland.”

Switzerland will play in the tournament’s Group A pool with Latvia, Slovakia, Russia and Sweden. Their first tilt is set for December 26th against the defending gold medalists, Team Russia.

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), announced Thursday the 22 players that will make up Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship.

The announcement comes at the conclusion of Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp, which ran from Dec. 10-14, 2011 at the WinSport Canada Athletic & Ice Complex in Calgary. A total of 43 players attended camp.

Four members of this year’s roster – Brett Connolly (Prince George, B.C./Tampa Bay, NHL), Quinton Howden (Oak Bank, Man./Moose Jaw, WHL), Jaden Schwartz (Wilcox, Sask./Colorado College, CCHA) and Mark Visentin (Waterdown, Ont./Niagara, OHL) – helped Canada earn the silver medal at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, N.Y.

CHL Players on Team Canada:

Goaltenders:

Mark Visentin (Niagara IceDogs)

Scott Wedgewood (Plymouth Whalers)

Defencemen:

Nathan Beaulieu (Saint John Sea Dogs)

Brandon Gormley (Moncton Wildcats)

Dougie Hamilton (Niagara IceDogs)

Scott Harrington (London Knights)

Ryan Murray (Everett Silvertips)

Jamie Oleksiak (Saginaw Spirit)

Mark Pysyk (Edmonton Oil Kings)

Forwards:

Michael Bournival (Shawinigan Cataractes)

Brendan Gallagher (Vancouver Giants)

Freddie Hamilton (Niagara IceDogs)

Quinton Howden (Moose Jaw Warriors)

Jonathan Huberdeau (Saint John Sea Dogs)

Boone Jenner (Oshawa Generals)

Tanner Pearson (Barrie Colts)

Mark Scheifele (Barrie Colts)

Mark Stone (Brandon Wheat Kings)

Ryan Strome (Niagara IceDogs)

In addition to the 19 CHL players listed above, current NHL players Brett Connolly (Tampa Bay Lightning/Prince George Cougars), and Devante Smith-Pelly (Anaheim Ducks/Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors) are graduates of the CHL.

CLICK HERE FOR CANADA’S NATIONAL JUNIOR TEAM ROSTER

“On behalf of Hockey Canada, I want to congratulate the players named to the final roster today, along with their club teams, parents and minor hockey coaches that have helped them reach this level,” said Brad Pascall, Hockey Canada’s vice-president of hockey operations/national teams. “Canada is lucky to have many great young players, and these players should be very proud of their achievement today.”

CLICK HERE FOR CANADA’S PRE-COMPETITION AND WORLD JUNIOR GAME SCHEDULE

Like so many of his peers, London Knights’ defenceman Scott Harrington shares the same familiar childhood dream – representing Team Canada – and on what better stage than at the World Junior Championships.

The 18-year old Kingston native and Pittsburgh Penguins second round draft pick is out to prove he deserves his first shot at suiting up for the U-20’s. He’s had a break out season on London’s blue line and now he’s got his sights set on cracking a spot on Canada’s final roster.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Harrington. “I’m just really excited for the opportunity.”

With the offensive prowl of defencemen such as Ryan Murphy (Kitchener Rangers/Carolina Hurricanes), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara Ice Dogs/Boston Bruins) and Joe Morrow (Portland Winterhawks/Pittsburgh Penguins) also headed to the selection camp, Harrington’s stay-at-home reputation could pay dividends.

The 6-foot-1, 195–pound defender isn’t known for his scoring touch – he’s recorded 15 points (two goals, 13 assists) in 25 games – but it’s his outstanding +21 plus-minus rating that leads the league and alludes to the importance of his presence on the ice.

“I think I’ve just matured,” said Harrington regarding his improvements over the past year.  “I’ve spent another year in the league and gained more experience.”

Playing on the top defensive unit for the Canadian Hockey League’s top team has thrown Harrington into the spotlight – the London Knights are 22-6-0-1 and ranked first in the country. Having Dale Hunter – recently promoted to the Washington Capitals – as a bench boss has also served Harrington well in his early OHL years.

Harrington will participate in Team Canada’s selection camp from December 10-14 alongside some of the best junior aged players from across Canada. You can bet the heartbreaking come-from-behind loss to the Russians in last year’s gold medal game is still fresh on the minds of all those competing for spots.

The WJC tournament begins Boxing Day in Calgary. Team Canada is slotted to compete against Finland, Czech Republic and Denmark before taking on Team USA on New Year’s Eve.

A video interview with Scott done by Tieja is available for viewing here

Forwards: Michael Bournival (Shawinigan), Brett Bulmer (Kelowna), Phillip Danault (Victoriaville), Phillip Di Guiseppe (Michigan), Michael Ferland (Brandon), Brendan Gallagher (Vancouver), Freddie Hamilton (Niagara), Quinton Howden (Moose Jaw), Jonathan Huberdeau (Saint John), Booner Jenner (Oshawa), Mark McNeil (Prince Albert), Tanner Pearson (Barrie), Zack Phillips (Saint John), Ty Rattie (Portland), Max Reinhart (Kootenay), Brad Ross (Portland), Mark Schiefele (Barrie), Jaden Schwartz (Colorado College), Ryan Spooner (Kingston), Mark Stone (Brandon), Ryan Strome (Niagara), Christian Thomas (Oshawa), Tyler Toffoli (Ottawa)

Defensemen: Nathan Beaulieu (Saint John), Cody Ceci (Ottawa), Matt Dumba (Red Deer), Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (Rimouski), Brandon Gormley (Moncton), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara), Scott Harrington (London), Brendan Kichton (Spokane), Joe Morrow (Portland), Ryan Murphy (Kitchener), Ryan Murray (Everett), Jamie Oleksiak (Saginaw), Alex Petrovic (Red Deer), Mark Pysyk (Edmonton)

Goaltenders: Tyler Bunz (Medicine Hat), Louis Domingue (Quebec), Mark Visentin (Niagara), Scott Wedgewood (Plymouth)

The Russians will be coming off a busy travel schedule playing two games in the QMJHL just days after landing on Canadian soil, and later travelling across the province from Ottawa to Sault Ste. Marie for Monday’s contest.

The heavy travel never seems to affect the Russians however, and there’s no doubt that game four will be a hard fought battle between two hungry teams.

One of the more interesting angles that this game could take is that some of the players in the line up who weren’t invited to Team Canada’s summer camp will be looking to make a major impression on the coaching staff.

George Burnett, Head Coach and General Manager of the OHL’s Belleville Bulls and National Junior Team Assistant, believes that there are plenty of opportunities for these types of players to shine in – what really turns out to be – a one-game tryout.

“Last year one that comes to mind is Marcus Foligno, who wasn’t in the summer camp but played in Sudbury and not only did he get himself an opportunity to go to the final selection camp but he became an integral part of the team in Buffalo,” Burnett said.

Of the players looking to make an impression is Soo Greyhound forward Nick Cousins, who was selected in the 3rd-round of last year’s NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Sitting 13th in league scoring through 19 games with 11 goals and 24 points, Cousins is showing that he belongs on Team OHL and at Team Canada’s Selection Camp in December, and Burnett believes has a realistic opportunity to be there.

“He’s had a great start to his season,” Burnett said. “I know how hard he worked out and prepared himself for the [NHL] draft testing last summer. They [Greyhounds] are a young, and much improved team in the East and he’s a huge part of the success they’re enjoying right now.”

Cousins himself is relishing the opportunity.

“There’s going to be a lot of scouts there especially for Team Canada,” he said. “I’m going to do what got me drafted, keep it simple and try to open some eyes. I really want to crack a spot on the World Junior squad in December.”

Other players in game four who weren’t invited to Team Canada Summer Camp who will be looking to make an impact including the OHL’s leading scorer Tanner Pearson, Brampton Battalion’s Sam Carrick, and Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors’ forward Riley Brace.

Another Greyhound standout will also be in the lineup. Defenseman Ryan Sproul, who has been solid on the backend scoring 3 goals and 13 points with an impressive +13, will be looking to squeeze his way into World Junior consideration. Forward Andrew Fristch will also play against the Russians on home ice.

Cousins is looking forward to playing in the series with both Sproul and Fritsch.

“It’s exciting to be a part of something like this, and to have some of my teammates along with me makes things fun,” he said. “Especially having it here in Sault Ste. Marie, I’m looking forward to it.”

But, as always with these mini-series, there’s always the question of who the players look forward to playing with, rather than against.

“I’d have to say Ryan Murphy,” Cousins said, hoping the Kitchener Rangers’ defenceman is healthy enough to suit up on Monday. “Having him on your backend is pretty good. He’s a good puck moving defenseman and he’s going to help us out a lot.”

Game four is scheduled for Monday November 14 and can be seen live on Sportsnet at 7:00 PM Eastern.