The skills events will include the Fastest Skater, Hardest Shot, Shooting Accuracy, and a brand new Showdown style Breakaway Contest.

The Showdown Breakaway Contest will feature six players per team taking two attempts on goal before a panel of four celebrity judges that will score each attempt based on creativity, originality, degree of difficulty, execution, showmanship, and the ability to score.  Celebrity judges include Spitfires’ Vice-President and General Manager Warren Rychel and defenceman Ryan Ellis.  Joining them will be former NHL enforcer and Windsor native Bob Probert, along with Rob Faulds from Rogers Sportsnet.

The best individual score in each event receives a goal for their team, with another goal awarded for the best team average from each event for a total of eight available goals.  The 3-on-3 game consists of two 15-minute periods with running time with all goals scored counting towards the overall competition score.
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2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Skills Competition Events and Participants:

Skill # 1 – Fastest Skater:

Team Cherry: Team Orr:

Taylor Hall, Windsor Spitfires                                                      Brandon Gormley, Moncton Wildcats

Jordan Weal, Regina Pats                                                             Stephen Silas, Belleville Bulls
Cam Fowler, Windsor Spitfires                                                   Mark Pysyk, Edmonton Oil Kings
Alexander Petrovic, Red Deer Rebels                                     Alexander Burmistrov, Barrie Colts
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Skill # 2 – Hardest Shot:

Team Cherry: Team Orr:

Brock Beukeboom, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds              Michael Bournival, Shawinigan Cataractes

Ryan Johansen, Portland Winterhawks                                  Dylan McIlrath, Moose Jaw Warriors

Brandon Archibald, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds              Matt MacKenzie, Calgary Hitmen
Brad Ross, Portland Winterhawks                                             Jerome Gauthier, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
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Skill # 3 – Shooting Accuracy

Team Cherry: Team Orr:

Jakub Culek, Rimouski Oceanic                                                  Steven Shipley, Owen Sound Attack
Troy Rutkowski, Portland Winterhawks                                 Ryan Martindale, Ottawa 67’s
Austin Madaisky, Kamloops Blazers                                         Quinton Howden, Moose Jaw Warriors
Devante Smith-Pelly, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors   Petr Straka, Rimouski Oceanic
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Skill # 4 – Showdown Breakaway Contest:

Team Cherry: Team Orr:

Ryan Spooner, Peterborough Petes                                        Tyler Toffoli, Ottawa 67’s

Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat Tigers                                        Jeff Skinner, Kitchener Rangers
Stanislav Galiev, Saint John Sea Dogs                                      Nino Niederreiter, Portland Winterhawks

Louis-Marc Aubry, Montreal Juniors                                        John McFarland, Sudbury Wolves
Austin Watson, Peterborough Petes                                       Joey Hishon, Owen Sound Attack
Andrew Yogan, Erie Otters                                                          Tyler Seguin, Plymouth Whalers

*Notes courtesy of the Canadian Hockey League*

“On behalf of the Canadian Hockey League I am pleased to announce the rosters for the 2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game which includes 40 of the top prospects eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft from across the CHL” said CHL President David Branch.  “CHL fans in attendance and watching live across the country on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS have the opportunity to preview the next wave of NHL stars as they compete in front of a record number of NHL management and scouts in what will surely be an intense competition.”

The rosters were selected by the 30 NHL General Managers with NHL Central Scouting and include 18 players from the Ontario Hockey League, 13 players from the Western Hockey League, and nine players from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.   18 players competed at the 2009 SUBWAY Super Series including 12 players on Team Orr and six players on Team Cherry.

“On behalf of NHL Central Scouting we are very excited to visit Windsor and watch 40 of the CHL’s top prospects compete at the 2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game said E.J McGuire, Director of NHL Central Scouting.  “The players named to the rosters should be proud of their accomplishments so far this season but should take advantage of all opportunities at this event to elevate their play and prove that they are ready for the next level.”

Three members of the host Windsor Spitfires including 2010 World Junior Team Canada forward Taylor Hall, along with Cam Fowler, and Austin Watson will compete with Team Cherry.  Also competing from the OHL are two players that attended Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp including John McFarland of the Sudbury Wolves and Tyler Seguin of the Plymouth Whalers who was listed first in the OHL by NHL Central Scouting in their November preliminary rankings.

“I’m excited about playing in the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game” said Seguin.  “It’s an opportunity to play among the best players in the CHL.  The game is something we all dream about when we’re growing up, so we’re all looking forward to play.  It should be a lot of fun.”

Brett Connolly of the Prince George Cougars headlines the list of WHL players competing in the game after being ranked first amongst WHL skaters in November by NHL Central Scouting.  He is joined by three members of the Portland Winterhawks including forwards Ryan Johansen, Nino Niederreiter, and defenceman Troy Rutkowski.

“It’s a great honour that they consider me one of the top prospects” said Connolly.  “I’d like to be able to show people where I’m at with the best draft eligible players in the country.  It’ll be stiff competition, for sure.  I’ve had a chance to play with a couple of guys from Ontario and there are great players in Quebec and of course in our league as well.  It’s a great measuring stick for me and I’m looking forward to the chance to play in the game.”

The Moncton Wildcats lead the QMJHL with three players competing in the game including defenceman Brandon Gormley who was the league’s top ranked skater as determined by NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary rankings.  He is joined by teammates Kirill Kabanov and goaltender Louis Domingue.  The QMJHL’s top team the Saint John Sea Dogs are represented by forward Stanislav Galiev who was selected first overall in the 2009 CHL Import Draft.

“It’s a great honour to be selected and a great opportunity to be play in the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects game” said Gormley, who was also invited to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp.  “I have been watching the game on TV for a number of years now and I’m sure it will be a fantastic experience.  I look forward to it.”

The 2009 event was held in Oshawa, ON, and featured all 16 CHL players that were selected in the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft including the New York Islanders’ first overall pick John Tavares.  In addition to Tavares, seven other NHL stars have participated in the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game before being selected first overall including Chris Phillips, Joe Thornton, Vincent Lecavalier, Rick Nash, Marc-Andre Fleury, Patrick Kane, and Steven Stamkos.  A total of 11 Windsor Spitfires have played in this game including Ryan Ellis who competed at the 2009 event before being selected 11^th overall by the Nashville Predators.

“Home Hardware proudly congratulates the 40 players that have been selected to compete in the 2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game,” says Rob Wallace, Public Relations & Promotional Events Manager for Home Hardware Stores Limited.  “On behalf of more than 1,000 Canadian Home Hardware Dealers, I would like to wish all of these top prospects the best of luck and look forward to seeing them compete in Windsor.”

Home Hardware continues as the title sponsor of the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game for the eleventh straight year.  Associate sponsors include Bank of Montreal, Subway, and NeilMed.  The game will be broadcast nationally live on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS.

More information can be found at the official event website:  http://homehardwaretopprospectsgame.com/

2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Rosters:

Team Cherry (Red):

Forwards (12)                                    CHL Club

Jakub Culek                                        Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

Emerson Etem                                  Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

Stanislav Galiev                                 Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

Taylor Hall*                                         Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Curtis Hamilton*                              Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Ryan Johansen                                  Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

Kirill Kabanov                                     Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Ryan Spooner                                    Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Ivan Telegin*                                     Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Austin Watson                                  Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Jordan Weal                                        Regina Pats (WHL)
Andrew Yogan                                  Erie Otters (OHL)

Defence (6)

Brandon Archibald                           Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

Brock Beukeboom                           Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

Cam Fowler                                        Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Erik Gudbranson*                            Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Alexander Petrovic                         Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

Troy Rutkowski                                 Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

Goaltenders (2)

Maxime Clermont*                         Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)

Calvin Pickard*                                  Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

Head Coach : Don Cherry

Assistant Coaches: Brian Kilrea and Bert O’Brien

Trainer: Andy Brown (Owen Sound Attack)

Equipment Manager: Russ Hammond (Guelph Storm)

Team Orr (White)                            CHL Club

Forwards (12)

Alexander Burmistrov*                 Barrie Colts (OHL)

Michael Bournival*                         Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)

Brett Connolly*                                Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Joey Hishon                                        Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

Quinton Howden*                          Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Ryan Martindale                               Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

John McFarland*                             Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

Nino Niederreiter                            Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

Tyler Seguin*                                     Plymouth Whalers (OHL)

Jeff Skinner*                                     Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Petr Straka                                          Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

Tyler Toffoli*                                     Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

Defence (6)

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc                Rouyn Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)

Brandon Gormley*                         Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Matt MacKenzie                               Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

Dylan McIlrath                                   Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Mark Pysyk*                                      Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

Stephen Silas*                                  Belleville Bulls (OHL)

Goaltenders (2)

Louis Domingue*                             Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Mark Visentin                                    Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Head Coach: Bobby Orr

Assistant Coach: Bob Boughner (Windsor Spitfires)

Trainer: Joey Garland (Windsor Spitfires)

Equipment Manager: Tyson Tatomir (Windsor Spitfires)

*Competed in the 2009 SUBWAY Super Series

In front of an arena full of NHL scouts and general managers at the General Motors centre in Oshawa, head coach Bobby Orr was smiling after the game while his good buddy Don Cherry sulked beside him for the third consecutive year.

“As Don [Cherry] has said many times, this isn’t your typical All-Star game,” said Orr in the press conference after the game. “This is a game were the kids are trying to show their stuff and every one of them did.”

The game was filled with speed, skill, and even a little controversy.

The meaning of the game changed two weeks ago once ex-Oshawa General John Tavares was traded at the CHL deadline to the London Knights along with defenceman Michael Del Zotto, and goaltender Daryl Borden, for a package of roster players, draft picks, and money.  It turned the game into a homecoming of sorts for Tavares, who came back to where he began his career at age 14.

“There’s going to be a lot of very good, solid hockey players from out of this bunch”

When asked if the players were trying to play a more physical game in front of all the scouts instead of going after the puck as they normally would, Eakin responded that the key for the players was the right balance between the two.

“You want to bring a physical aspect, but only if the hit is there,” he said.  “The puck is just as important. You just have to use a bit of smarts.”

Tavares was nailed from behind by Kingston Frontenacs defenceman Tyler Doherty. Shortly afterward he was hit again, behind the net by Zach Kassian of the Peterborough Petes. The hit knocked the Knights star out of the game with an apparent shoulder injury.

Cherry was quick to dismiss the idea that players targeted the top ranked players like Tavares in these sorts of games just to make an impression on the scouts.

“No I don’t think so,” he said.  “He [Tavares] carries the puck a lot, and when you carry the puck a lot you’re going to get hit.  Its that simple.”

Player of the game for team Cherry was Saginaw Spirit’s goalie, Edward Pasquale, who came into the game to relieve Kootenay Ice’s Nathan Lieuwen halfway through the second period, stopping 20 of 21 shots.

At the other end, Cape Breton’s Olivier Roy and Owen Sound’s Scott Stajcer combined to stop 42 of the 43 shots they faced for team Orr, earning the victory.

“There’s going to be a lot of very good, solid hockey players from out of this bunch,” concluded Orr.

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 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