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Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Notebook:

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment and Home Hardware Stores Limited today announced the 40 CHL players eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft that will compete in the 2011 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game January 18-19 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, ON.

The 40 top prospects have been divided into two teams that will feature hockey icon Don Cherry behind the bench for Team Cherry, and Toronto Maple Leafs’ all-time great Doug Gilmour who will serve behind the bench for Team Orr.

“On behalf of the Canadian Hockey League we are very excited to showcase 40 of the league’s top prospects eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft at Air Canada Centre January 18-19 where they will compete in front of hundreds of scouts in attendance and live on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS for CHL fans across the country,” said CHL President David Branch.  “We are also honoured to have Don Cherry and Doug Gilmour as coaches of this prestigious event.  Don has been a tremendous builder of this event since it began in 1996, and Doug’s participation will be exciting for the Maple Leafs’ fans in attendance.”

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.

The rosters include all three players that were ranked first overall in their regional league in NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Draft Rankings including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Red Deer Rebels who will compete with Team Orr, while Swedish National Junior Team hopeful Gabriel Landeskog of the Kitchener Rangers will compete for Team Cherry alongside Team Canada forward Sean Couturier of the Drummondville Voltigeurs.

27 of the CHL’s 60 teams are represented in this game including four players from the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks along with four players from the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs.  Both the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers and Oshawa Generals are each represented by three players.

The 2011 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game marks the 13th year of involvement for Cherry who has coached head-to-head against Bobby Orr 11 different times including six-straight meetings when the event began in 1996 at Maple Leaf Gardens.  Last year in Windsor Team Cherry emerged with a 4-2 win over Team Orr to give Cherry his fifth coaching win in this event which also included a win over coaching opponent John Davidson in 2005.  Following the 2006 contest the CHL presented the Don Cherry and Bobby Orr Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Trophy for the first time to the winning team.  Engraved on the award are the names of every player to ever participate in this prestigious event.

Gilmour returns to Toronto where his number 93 jersey was honoured by the Maple Leafs in January, 2009.  He played six seasons with the blue and white from 1991-97 including three years as team captain.  In 1,474 career NHL games, Gilmour had his best season as a Maple Leaf scoring 127 points in 83 games as a nominee for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player, and winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy as Best Defensive Forward in the 1992-93 season.  He is currently in his third season as Head Coach of the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs.

The 2010 event in Windsor, ON, featured 17 CHL players that were selected in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft including Taylor Hall who became the ninth player to compete in this event before being selected first overall when he was chosen by the Edmonton Oilers in June.  Previous first overall picks following this game include Chris Phillips, Joe Thornton, Vincent Lecavalier, Rick Nash, Marc-Andre Fleury, Patrick Kane, Steven Stamkos, and John Tavares.

Home Hardware continues as the title sponsor of the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game for the twelfth straight year dating back to 2000 when the game was last played at Air Canada Centre.  Associate sponsors include Bank of Montreal, Subway, and CCM.

The game will be broadcast nationally live on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS.

Beginning Thursday December 23, 2010, at noon, tickets for the 2011 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Skills Competition and Game will be available individually.  Tickets are available beginning at $10 for the Skills Competition on January 18 and $40 for the Game on January 19 atwww.ticketmaster.ca or by calling 416-872-5000.

Team Cherry (Red)

Forwards (12):
Sean Couturier, Drummondville Voltigeurs
Phillip Danault, Victoriaville Tigres
Nicklas Jensen, Oshawa Generals
Tomas Jurco, Saint John Sea Dogs
Gabriel Landeskog, Kitchener Rangers
Mark McNeill, Prince Albert Raiders
Matthew Puempel, Peterborough Petes
Rickard Rakell, Plymouth Whalers
Ty Rattie, Portland Winterhawks
Tobias Rieder, Kitchener Rangers
Mark Scheifele, Barrie Colts
Ryan Strome, Niagara IceDogs

Defencemen (6):
Myles Bell, Regina Pats
Scott Harrington, London Knights
Joe Morrow, Portland Winterhawks
Ryan Murphy, Kitchener Rangers
Duncan Siemens, Saskatoon Blades
Tyler Wotherspoon, Portland Winterhawks

Goaltenders (2):
Christopher Gibson, Chicoutimi Sagueneens
David Honzik, Victoriaville Tigres

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach -Don Cherry
Assistant Coach – Brian Kilrea, Ottawa 67′s
Assistant Coach – Bert O’Brien

Training Staff:
Russ Hammond, Guelph Storm
Brian Miller, Peterborough Petes

Team Orr (White)

Forwards (12):
Sven Bartschi, Portland Winterhawks
Daniel Catenacci, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John Sea Dogs
Colin Jacobs, Seattle Thunderbirds
Boone Jenner, Oshawa Generals
Lucas Lessio, Oshawa Generals
Shane McColgan, Kelowna Rockets
Vladislav Namestnikov, London Knights
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Red Deer Rebels
Zack Phillips, Saint John Sea Dogs
Brandon Saad, Saginaw Spirit
Vincent Trocheck, Saginaw Spirit

Defencemen (6):
Nathan Beaulieu, Saint John Sea Dogs
Dougie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs
David Musil, Vancouver Giants
Xavier Ouellet, Montreal Juniors
Stuart Percy, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors
Reece Scarlett, Swift Current Broncos

Goaltenders (2):
Jordan Binnington, Owen Sound Attack
Liam Liston, Brandon Wheat Kings

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach – Doug Gilmour, Kingston Frontenacs
Assistant Coach – Stan Butler, Brampton Battalion

Training Staff:
Joey Garland, Windsor Spitfires
Kevin Emo, Barrie Colts

The Western Hockey League (WHL) and the defending WHL Champion Calgary Hitmen announced that they will host a WHL outdoor game against the Regina Pats on February 21, 2011 at McMahon Stadium.

The game coincides with Family Day Monday and will be played the day after the National Hockey League’s Heritage Classic set for February 20th between the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens.

“We are extremely excited, honored and feel very privileged that the National Hockey League, the Calgary Flames, the Calgary Hitmen and the WHL have chosen the Regina Pats to be a part of this historic event, said Pats President Brent Parker. “With the Regina Pats tradition and our historic ties to the Montreal Canadiens organization we felt that it was a natural fit for our organization to take part when we were presented this opportunity. We are truly looking forward to February and what will be a special day for our players and all of our organization”.

Kitchener Rangers Head Coach and General Manager Steve Spott announced that the team has signed centerman Matia Marcantuoni, their first round pick in the 2010 Priority Selection, and defenseman Julian Melchiori to an Ontario Hockey League contracts

“Our organization is pleased to announce that Matia has officially signed with us,” Spott said.

“He has all of the necessary skills to become a special player in the Ontario Hockey League. Matia’s focus on academics and hockey make him a great addition to our community, team and league”.

Last season Marcantuoni tallied 39 goals and 33 assists in 77 games for the Toronto Marlboros.

“We are pleased that Julian and his family have decided to play in Kitchener. Julian has recognized that this decision was best for both his athletic and academic future. He can play in the best development league in the world [the CHL] while at the same time attending a world class Canadian University. Julian’s size and skill level will be a welcome addition to our blueline. We look forward to helping Julian achieve his goal of playing for the Atlanta Thrashers”. Spott said.

Melchiori, a 6’3″, 186-pound defenseman, was a 3rd round pick (87th overall) of the Atlanta Thrashers at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He spent last season with the Newmarket Hurricanes of the Central Canadian Hockey League where he recorded seven goals and 23 points in 39 regular season games.
The Brandon Wheat Kings have learned that former Wheat King and current Assistant Coach Dwayne Gylywoychuk sustained a broken back in a serious fall.  Gylywoychuk is currently being treated at Brandon Regional Health Centre and is expected to make a full recovery.

Gylywoychuk is the franchise record holder for most games played in a Wheat Kings’ uniform with 323.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) will bid on the 2013 Memorial Cup. If successful, the 2013 Memorial Cup would coincide with the completion of the C$33 million dollar ENMAX Centre Building Expansion and provide a huge economic social and cultural boost for the City of Lethbridge.

“The presentation of this letter [of intent to bid] is an important step in what will be a long and competitive process for us as an organizing committee and a hockey club.” said Hurricanes President Brian McNaughton “The timing could not be more appropriate; as we feel Rich Preston, Brad Robson and the rest of the Hockey Operations staff have established a strong core group of players that will guarantee that we field a competitive team now and in 2013. Add to this; the event coinciding with the completion of the renovations to our home, the City of Lethbridge ENMAX Centre – A world class facility such as this deserves a world class event”

The 2013 Memorial Cup would be the 95th edition of the Canadian Hockey League National Championship and is a four team tournament comprised of the champions of each of the three branches of the CHL (WHL, OHL, QMJHL) as well as the tournament host team. Last season, the Brandon Wheat Kings hosted the 2010 Memorial Cup – the honor will go to the OHL’s Mississauga St. Michaels Majors in 2011 and to a QMJHL host in 2012 before returning to the WHL in 2013.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes have played in one previous Memorial Cup tournament back in 1997; they lost in the finals to the host Hull Olympiques.

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League, has announced the 22 players who will represent Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team at the 2010 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament, August 9-14 in Breclav, Czech Republic and Piestany, Slovakia.

Among the players named were seven defencemen, thirteen forwards and two goalkeepers. The two netminders will be Robin Gusse of Chicoutimi and Belleville Bulls’ Tyson Teichmann.   The roster was finalized following Hockey Canada’s four-day selection camp at Father David Bauer Olympic Arena in Calgary.

“It was a very competitive camp, and choosing these 22 players was by no means an easy task,” said head coach George Burnett. “All of the players named today have earned their spot on the roster, and we look forward to getting to Europe and defending Canada’s gold medal.”

National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team breakdown

21 players from the Canadian Hockey League
13 players from the Ontario Hockey League
4 players from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
4 players from the Western Hockey League
1 player from the Central Canadian Hockey League
20 players with experience in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence

Canada has won the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka in five of the past six years, and will play in Group B with Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland, a group that will be based out of Piestany. Group A, which consists of the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia and the United States, will play out of Breclav.

Canada will face the Czech Republic in an exhibition game in Breclav on Saturday, August 7 before opening the tournament against Sweden on Monday, August 9. The top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals on Friday, August 13, with the gold medal game scheduled for Saturday, August 14.

Saint John Sea Dogs import winger Tomas Jurco is scheduled to take part in an international mini-tournament with Team Slovakia in early August, competing against Germany, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland in an Under-20 event that will be used as evaluation tool in the selection process for all four countries’ IIHF World Junior Championship entries.

Jurco has previously represented his nation at the 2009 World U-17 Hockey Challenge (5GP-3G-4A-7P) as well as the 2009 IIHF World U-18 Championships (6GP-2G-3A-5P-2PIM) and the 2009 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament.

Saint John selected Jurco with the fourth overall pick at last summer’s CHL Import Draft. The dynamic offensive specialist went on to set a team record for goals by a rookie (26) in 2009-10, adding 25 assists to finish his freshman major junior campaign with 51 points in 64 games. A native of Kosice, SVK, Jurco led the QMJHL in shootout markers last season with nine, the vast majority of which were of the highlight-reel variety.

A late-1992 birth, Jurco is eligible to be selected at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in Minnesota.

A look at the Slovakian U-20 Roster:

Goalies: Tomas Pék (HC Slovan Bratislava), Dominik Riečický (HC)
Defenders: Peter Trska (HC Slovan Bratislava), Michal Imrich (Dukla Trencin), Luke Kozak, Martin Obuch (both MHC Martin), Christian Grman (SHK 37 Piestany), Peter peas (HKm Elected), Henry Jaborník (HK 36 Skalica) .

Forwards: Jakub Cíger, Miroslav Preisinger (both HC Slovan Bratislava), Andrej Stastny (Dukla Trencin), Oliver Jokély (HC), Peter Šišovský Martin Saturday (both MHC Martin), Michael Vanda (HK SKP Poprad), Tomas mugs (HK Nitra), Tomas Matousek (HC 05′Banská Bystrica), Dalibor Bortňák (Kamploops Blazers / Canada) Juraj Majdan (HC Litvinov / CR), Andrej Kudrna (Red Deer Rebels / Canada) Jurčo Thomas (St. John Sea Dogs / Canada).
A look at Slovakia’s U-18 Roster for the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament:

Goalies: Adam Nagy (Dukla Trencin), Patrik Fisherman (HC Slovan Bratislava), Matthew Porubský (MHC Martin).
Defense: Michal Fillo (MHC Martin), David Bajaník (MsHK Zilina), Martin Gerno (PHK Prešov), Vladimir Lukáčik (SHK KSK Bratislava), Peter Bezuška (HC Liberec / CZ), Charles Korím (HC Mlada Boleslav / CZ)

Forwards: Peter Čerešňák, Michal Hlinka, Emil Bagin (all Dukla Trencin), Patrik Lamper, Vladimir Jack, Andrew Bíreš (all HC 05′Banská Bystrica), Dominik Fujerík (MHC Martin), Bruno Frost (Slovan Bratislava HC), Filip Vaško (HC), Vladimir Kling (HK Ves), Viktor Fekiač (HKm Elected), Tomas Mikuš (HK 36 Skalica), Michal Uhrík (MHK 32 Liptovský Mikuláš), Branislav Rapač (HC Liberec / CZ), Denis Hudec ( HC Sparta Praha / CZ), David Friedman (Toronto Jr. Canadiens / Canada)
Substitute (on call): John Skurák (FC), Zdeno Tóth (Zilina), Filip Mezovský (L. Nicholas), Leos Safar, Matthew Hinďoš, Peter Boltún (all Kosice), Andrew Sucharda, Michael Christopher (both Nitra) David Horňák (Trencin)

And finally a look at Glen Hanlon’s Slovakian National Team Roster:

Goalies: Julius Hudáček (HC), Branislav Konrad, Jaroslav Janus (both HC Slovan Bratislava)
Defense: Martin stable (HC Slovan Bratislava) Marek Biro, Matthew Vizváry (both HC’05 Banska Bystrica), Juraj Mikuš Radovan snappy (both Dukla Trencin), Martin Gründling (HK 36 Skalica), John Brejčák (HK SKP Poprad) , Vladimir Mihálik (Norfolk Admirals / AHL).
Forwards: Tomas Marcinko, Marcel Haščák (both HC), Roman Tomanek (HC’05 Banska Bystrica), Rado Tybor (Dukla Trenčín), Tomáš Tatar, Michal Chovan (both HKm Zvolen), Mário Bližňák (Manitoba Moose / AHL) Marek Vienna (MsHK Prievidza), Peter Olvecky (Manitoba Moose / AHL), Radoslav Illo (Bystrica HK 95), Erik Caladou, Marek Slovak (both HK Nitra).