NEWS

Twelve OJHL players have been named to the roster for the 2016 CJHL Prospects Game being held on January 26 in Surrey, B.C.

The OJHL once again leads the way with 12 players participating in the event, followed by the BCHL with nine players and the AJHL with eight players.

From an OJHL perspective, the Georgetown Raiders will have three players taking part, followed closely by the Oakville Blades, Orangeville Flyers and St. Michael's Buzzers with two players each.

Below is the list of OJHL players that will play in the Prospects Game:

• G - Michael Botiz (Oakville)
• D - Matthew Cairns (Georgetown)
• D - Sam Dunn (Cobourg)
• D - Matthew Thom (Georgetown)
• D - Derek Topatigh (Orangeville)
• F - Josh Dickinson (Georgetown)
• F - Jack Jeffers (Orangeville)
• F - Noah Jordan (St. Michael's)
• F - Luke Keenan (Whitby)
• F - Josh Kosack (Oakville)
• F - Cameron Searles (St. Michael's)
• F - Ben Sokay (Wellington)

Below is the official press release from the CJHL (www.cjhlhockey.com):

The Canadian Junior Hockey League, in partnership with NHL Central Scouting, announced today the rosters for the CJHL Prospects Game, scheduled for Jan. 26 at South Surrey Arena in Surrey, B.C. 

Tickets are now available for only $10, and can be purchased by calling the Surrey Eagles office at (604) 531-GOAL (4625), or by ordering online at www.surreyeagles.ca/2016-cjhl-prospects-game. 

The CJHL Prospects Game was created to showcase the top NHL prospects in the CJHL as identified by NHL Central Scouting. The game features players from the CJHL's five western leagues (BCHL, AJHL, SJHL, MJHL, SIJHL) competing against players from the CJHL's five eastern leagues (NOJHL, OJHL, CCHL, QJHL, MHL). The winning team is awarded the President's Cup. Player selection for the annual CJHL Prospects Game is a joint initiative of the CJHL and NHL Central Scouting.

“I look forward to the opportunity to work with such a talented group of players. To have the top players in the country all in one game is something special,” said Team West head coach Brandon West. “These prospects have worked hard to get to this level and this event will allow them to showcase their talents in front of fans and the hockey world. It should be a great experience for all involved.”

Team West includes nine players from the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), eight from the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), one from the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) and one from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL).

TEAM WEST

Goaltenders
Kurtis Chapman        Olds Grizzlys (AJHL)
Matt Murray        Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)

Defence
Dennis Cholowski        Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL)
Dante Fabbro         Penticton Vees (BCHL)
James Miller        Olds Grizzlys (AJHL)
Brinson Pasichnuk    Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL)
Dean Stewart        Portage Terriers (MJHL)
Cory Thomas        Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)    

Forwards
Noah Bauld        Lloydminster Bobcats (AJHL)
Kyle Betts        Powell River Kings (BCHL)
Brandon Biro        Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
Colin Grannary        Merritt Centennials (BCHL)
Blake Hayward        Coquitlam Express (BCHL)
Tyson Jost        Penticton Vees (BCHL)
Jesse Lansdell        Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL)
Kohen Olischefski        Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL)
Riley Smith        Olds Grizzlys (AJHL)
Jeffrey Stewart        Surrey Eagles (BCHL)
Troy Van Tetering     Lloydminster Bobcats (AJHL)
Justin Young        Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL)

Team East includes 12 players from the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), four from the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), two from the Maritime Hockey League (MHL),  one from the Ligue de hockey junior du Québec (QJHL) and one from the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL).

“Anytime you get the chance to work with the best young prospects in the country is a great opportunity,” said Team East head coach Nick Greenough. “I can’t wait to spend a couple of days working with these players, helping them showcase their talents to get to the next level.”

TEAM EAST

Goaltenders
Michael Botiz        Oakville Blades (OJHL)
Colton Point        Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL)

Defence
Caleb Boman        Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL)
Matthew Cairns        Georgetown Raiders (OJHL)
Sam Dunn         Cobourg Cougars (OJHL)
Owen Grant        Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL)
Matthew Thom        Georgetown Raiders (OJHL)
Derek Topatigh        Orangeville Flyers (OJHL)

Forwards
Josh Dickinson        Georgetown Raiders (OJHL)
Jack Jeffers        Orangeville Flyers (OJHL)
Noah Jordan        St. Michael’s Buzzers (OJHL)
Luke Keenan        Whitby Fury (OJHL)
Sam King        Yarmouth Mariners (MHL)
Josh Kosack        Oakville Blades (OJHL)
Édouard Michaud    Inouk de Granby (LHJQ)
Brett Murray        Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL)
Makail Parker        South Shore Lumberjacks (MHL)
Cameron Searles        St. Michael’s Buzzers (OJHL)
Ben Sokay        Wellington Dukes (OJHL)
Michael Larose        Cumberland Grads (CCHL)