CHL/USA Prospects Challenge
| CHL/USA Prospects Challenge | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Date(s) | November, annually |
| Country | Canada |
| Inaugurated | 1992 |
| Activity | Ice hockey |
| Organised by | Canadian Hockey League |
| Sponsors | Kubota (since 2020) Sherwin-Williams (2017–2019) Bank of Montreal (2014–2016) Home Hardware (2000–2013) |
| Website | kubotatopprospects |
The CHL/USA Prospects Challenge is an annual junior ice hockey series between the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. The two-game series showcases the talents of top prospects for the upcoming entry draft of the National Hockey League (NHL), in a collaborative effort with the NHL Central Scouting Bureau to select the participants.
From 1992 to 1995 the event was known as the CHL All–Star Challenge, between the three CHL constituent leagues–the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). In 1996, the CHL partnered with the NHL to create the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.[1] Teams were led by a celebrity coach, with Don Cherry and Bobby Orr having been frequent coaches.[2][3] Home Hardware became the corporate title sponsor starting in 2000,[1] followed by Bank of Montreal (BMO) in 2014,[4] Sherwin-Williams in 2017,[5] and Kubota in 2020.[6]
1992 CHL All–Star Challenge
[edit]The inaugural CHL All–Star Challenge featured the host Western Hockey League team, versus and a combined team from the Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. John Spoltore of the North Bay Centennials scored twice for the East, and Dean McAmmond of the Prince Albert Raiders scored the winning goal in overtime for the West.
| 1992 CHL All–Star Challenge | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 4, 1992 | |
| Location | Saskatchewan Place (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) | |
| Game report[7] | Home | Away |
| Team | West (WHL) | East (OHL/QMJHL) |
| Coaches | Mike Fedorko Bryan Maxwell |
Jos Canale Ted Nolan |
| Player of the game | Richard Matvichuk | Fred Brathwaite |
| Score (OT) | 5 | 4 |
1993 CHL All–Star Challenge
[edit]In the second CHL All–Star Challenge, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League hosted a combined team from the Western Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey League. Claude Savoie of the Victoriaville Tigres, and Martin Gendron of the Saint-Hyacinthe Laser, both scored twice for the QMJHL, but the WHL/OHL scored five goals in the third period to win the game.
| 1993 CHL All–Star Challenge | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 19, 1993 | |
| Location | Montreal Forum (Montreal, Quebec) | |
| Attendance | 4,355 | |
| Game report[7] | Home | Away |
| Team | QMJHL | OHL/WHL |
| Coaches | Pierre Aubry | Ted Nolan Bob Lowes |
| Player of the game | Alexandre Daigle | Jeff Shantz |
| Score | 5 | 7 |
1994 CHL All–Star Challenge
[edit]In the third CHL All–Star Challenge, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League hosted a combined team from the Western Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey League. Sixteen goals were scored by fifteen different players, with Jeff Shevalier of the North Bay Centennials, scoring twice. Quebec led 4–2 after the first period, but were outscored 4–1 by the OHL/WHL in the third period.
| 1994 CHL All–Star Challenge | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 1, 1994 | |
| Location | Moncton Coliseum (Moncton, New Brunswick) | |
| Attendance | 6,380 | |
| Game report[7] | Home | Away |
| Team | QMJHL/Atlantic | OHL/WHL |
| Coaches | Guy Chouinard Michel Therrien |
Ted Nolan Brent Peterson |
| Player of the game | Samuel Groleau Jason MacDonald |
Jeff Shevalier |
| Score | 7 | 9 |
1995 CHL All–Star Challenge
[edit]The fourth CHL All–Star Challenge was hosted by the Ontario Hockey League, versus a combined team from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The QMJHL/WHL scored the first five goals of the game, and won 8–3, led by two goals each from Eric Daze of the Beauport Harfangs, and Terry Ryan of the Tri-City Americans.
| 1995 CHL All–Star Challenge | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 31, 1995 | |
| Location | Kitchener Memorial Auditorium (Kitchener, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 5,679 | |
| Game report[7] | Home | Away |
| Team | OHL | QMJHL/WHL |
| Coaches | Paul Maurice | Don Hay Jos Canale |
| Player of the game | Todd Bertuzzi | Sébastien Bordeleau |
| Score | 3 | 8 |
1996 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game
[edit]The first CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in 1996, was coached by celebrities Don Cherry and Bobby Orr, joined by assistants, Brian Kilrea, Blair Machasey, and Bob Loucks. Team Cherry won 9–3, led by Lance Ward of the Red Deer Rebels, and Jean-Pierre Dumont of the Val-d'Or Foreurs scoring two goals each.
| 1996 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 15, 1996, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Maple Leaf Gardens (Toronto, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 10,158 | |
| Game report[8] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Cherry | Team Orr |
| Coach | Don Cherry | Bobby Orr |
| Player of the game | Trevor Wasyluk | Luke Curtin |
| Score | 9 | 3 |
1997 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry and Orr continued as coaches for the 1997 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Brian Kilrea and Bert O'Brien of the Ottawa 67's joined Cherry as assistants. Orr was joined by Michel Therrien of the Granby Prédateurs, and Todd McLellan of the Swift Current Broncos. Team Orr led 4–0 after the first period, and won 7–2. Goaltender Roberto Luongo of the Val-d'Or Foreurs, made 29 saves in the victory. Jeff Zehr of the Windsor Spitfires, and Daniel Cleary of the Belleville Bulls scored two goals each.
| 1997 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 12, 1997, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Maple Leaf Gardens (Toronto, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 11,627 | |
| Game report[9] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Orr | Team Cherry |
| Coach | Bobby Orr | Don Cherry |
| Player of the game | Roberto Luongo | Daniel Cleary |
| Score | 7 | 2 |
1998 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry and Orr continued as coaches for the 1998 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Brian Kilrea returned as an assistant coach to Cherry, and Claude Julien of the Hull Olympiques, and Brent Peterson of the Portland Winter Hawks, joined Orr. Team Cherry lead 3–0 halfway through the game, and held on for a 4–2 win. Six different players scored one goal each, and goaltender Philippe Sauvé of the Rimouski Océanic stopped all 23 shots he faced.
| 1998 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 10, 1998, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Maple Leaf Gardens (Toronto, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 11,088 | |
| Game report[10] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Cherry | Team Orr |
| Coach | Don Cherry | Bobby Orr |
| Player of the game | Jonathan Cheechoo | Michael Henrich |
| Score | 4 | 2 |
1999 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry and Orr continued as coaches for the 1999 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Lanny McDonald and Brian Kilrea were assistant coaches to Cherry, and Dean Clark of the Calgary Hitmen, and Gaston Therrien of the Val-d'Or Foreurs, joined Orr. Team Cherry outshot Team Orr 42–25, but Team Orr won 4–3.
| 1999 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 16, 1999, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Canadian Airlines Saddledome (Calgary, Alberta) | |
| Attendance | 14,100 | |
| Game report[11] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Orr | Team Cherry |
| Coach | Bobby Orr | Don Cherry |
| Player of the game | Chris Kelly Maxime Ouellet |
Kris Beech |
| Score | 4 | 3 |
2000 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]
The CHL announced Home Hardware as the corporate title sponsor of the event, starting in 2000.[1] Cherry and Orr continued as coaches for the 2000 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game. Brian Kilrea returned as an assistant coach to Cherry, and Dean Clark returned with Orr. Team Orr scored three goals in the third period, and won 6–3. Nathan Smith of the Swift Current Broncos scored twice for Team Orr, and Gerard Dicaire of the Seattle Thunderbirds scored two points for Team Cherry.
| 2000 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 2, 2000, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Air Canada Centre (Toronto, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 10,356 | |
| Game report[12] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Cherry | Team Orr |
| Coach | Don Cherry | Bobby Orr |
| Player of the game | Steve Ott | Nathan Smith |
| Score | 3 | 6 |
2001 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry and Orr continued as coaches for the 2001 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game. Lanny McDonald and Brian Kilrea were assistant coaches to Cherry, and Brent Sutter of the Red Deer Rebels, and Doris Labonté of the Rimouski Océanic, joined Orr. Greg Watson of the Prince Albert Raiders scored two goals and two assists, to lead Team Orr to a 5–3 victory.
| 2001 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 7, 2001, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Pengrowth Saddledome (Calgary, Alberta) | |
| Attendance | 8,855 | |
| Game report[13] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Orr | Team Cherry |
| Coach | Bobby Orr | Don Cherry |
| Player of the game | Greg Watson | Derek Roy |
| Score | 5 | 3 |
2002 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]For the 2002 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game, the CHL announced Tiger Williams and Kelly Hrudey as the new celebrity coaches for the event. Bob Lowes of the Regina Pats, joined Williams and as assistant coach, and Kevin Dickie of the Saskatoon Blades, joined Hrudey. Pierre-Marc Bouchard of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, and Joffrey Lupul of the Medicine Hat Tigers, both scored two goals. Petr Taticek of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds scored a penalty shot goal as part of Team Tiger's four goals in the second period, in a 7–4 victory by Team Tiger.
| 2002 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 31, 2002, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Saskatchewan Place (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) | |
| Attendance | 10,078 | |
| Game report[14] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Hrudey | Team Tiger |
| Coach | Kelly Hrudey | Tiger Williams |
| Player of the game | Joffrey Lupul | Jay Bouwmeester |
| Score | 4 | 7 |
2003 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry and Orr returned as coaches for the 2003 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game. Brian Kilrea returned as an assistant coach to Cherry, and Peter DeBoer of the Kitchener Rangers, joined Orr. Frank Rediker of the Windsor Spitfires, had a goal and an assist for Team Cherry, and Mike Richards of the Kitchener Rangers, had two assists, for Team Orr. Team Cherry scored three goals in the third period to win 4–3.
| 2003 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 22, 2003, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Kitchener Memorial Auditorium (Kitchener, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 5,766 | |
| Game report[15] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Cherry | Team Orr |
| Coach | Don Cherry | Bobby Orr |
| Player of the game | Dan Fritsche | Paul Bissonnette |
| Score | 4 | 3 |
2004 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry and Orr continued as coaches for the 2004 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game. Dale Hunter and Jacques Beaulieu of the London Knights, were assistant coaches to Cherry, and Brian Kilrea and Bert O'Brien of the Ottawa 67's, joined Orr. Team Orr scored the first three and last three goals to win 6–2. Blake Comeau of the Kelowna Rockets, scored four points, and Rob Schremp of the London Knights scored three points for Team Orr.
| 2004 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 21, 2004, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | John Labatt Centre (London, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 8,835 | |
| Game report[16] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Orr | Team Cherry |
| Coach | Bobby Orr | Don Cherry |
| Player of the game | Rob Schremp | Wojtek Wolski |
| Score | 6 | 2 |
2005 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry continued as a coach for the 2005 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game. Orr was replaced by John Davidson as coach. Kenndal McArdle of the Moose Jaw Warriors scored two goals for Team Davidson. Gilbert Brulé of the Vancouver Giants scored two goals, leading Team Cherry to an 8–4 win.
| 2005 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 19, 2005, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Pacific Coliseum (Vancouver, British Columbia) | |
| Attendance | 16,331 | |
| Game report[17] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Cherry | Team Davidson |
| Coach | Don Cherry | John Davidson |
| Player of the game | Gilbert Brulé | Kenndal McArdle |
| Score | 8 | 4 |
2006 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry and Orr reunited as coaches for the 2006 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game. Team Cherry scored the first goals of the game, on assists from Ty Wishart of the Prince George Cougars. Team Orr scored seven unanswered goals to win the game. Bryan Little of the Barrie Colts scored twice to lead the way.
| 2006 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 18, 2006, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Scotiabank Place (Ottawa, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 13,735 | |
| Game report[18] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Orr | Team Cherry |
| Coach | Bobby Orr | Don Cherry |
| Player of the game | Bryan Little Codey Burki |
NONE |
| Score | 7 | 2 |
2007 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]For the 2007 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game, the CHL announced new celebrity coaches for the event. Scotty Bowman and Jacques Demers teamed up with Patrick Roy of the Quebec Remparts, to coach the white team. Pat Burns and Michel Bergeron teamed up with Benoit Groulx of the Gatineau Olympiques, to coach the red team. Oscar Moller of the Chilliwack Bruins, scored a goal and an assists for the white team. Ruslan Bashkirov of the Quebec Remparts, scored twice for the red team, leading to a 5–3 victory.
| 2007 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 17, 2007, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Colisée Pepsi (Quebec City, Quebec) | |
| Attendance | 7,762 | |
| Game report[19] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team White | Team Red |
| Coaches | Patrick Roy Scotty Bowman Jacques Demers |
Benoit Groulx Pat Burns Michel Bergeron |
| Player of the game | Oscar Moller | Ruslan Bashkirov |
| Score | 3 | 5 |
2008 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]For the 2008 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game, the CHL announced new celebrity coaches for the event. Grant Fuhr and Glenn Anderson teamed up with Don Nachbaur of the Tri-City Americans, to coach the white team. Lanny McDonald and Mike Vernon teamed up with Kelly Kisio of the Calgary Hitmen, to coach the red team. Josh Bailey of the Windsor Spitfires, scored twice, and Cody Hodgson of the Brampton Battalion, added three assists, to help team white win 8–4.
| 2008 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 23, 2008, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Rexall Place (Edmonton, Alberta) | |
| Attendance | 13,596 | |
| Game report[20] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Red | Team White |
| Coaches | Kelly Kisio Lanny McDonald Mike Vernon |
Don Nachbaur Grant Fuhr Glenn Anderson |
| Player of the game | Steven Stamkos | Zach Boychuk |
| Score | 4 | 8 |
2009 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry and Orr reunited as coaches for the 2009 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game. Team Orr won 6–1, let by two goals each from Cody Eakin of the Swift Current Broncos, and David Gilbert of the Quebec Remparts.
| 2009 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 14, 2009, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | General Motors Centre (Oshawa, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 5,510 | |
| Game report[21] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Orr | Team Cherry |
| Coach | Bobby Orr | Don Cherry |
| Player of the game | Cody Eakin | Edward Pasquale |
| Score | 6 | 1 |
2010 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry returned as coach for the 2010 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game, with Brian Kilrea and Bert O'Brien as assistants. Team Orr was coached by Jody Hull of the Peterborough Petes, and Marty Williamson of the Niagara IceDogs. Team Cherry scored three times in the third period to win the game. Players of the game were Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires, and Jeff Skinner of the Kitchener Rangers.
| 2010 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 20, 2010, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | WFCU Centre (Windsor, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 6,193 | |
| Game report[22] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Cherry | Team Orr |
| Coach | Don Cherry | Bobby Orr |
| Player of the game | Taylor Hall | Jeff Skinner |
| Score | 4 | 2 |
2011 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry returned as coach for the 2011 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game, with Brian Kilrea and Bert O'Brien as assistants. Team Orr was coached by Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour of the Kingston Frontenacs, and Stan Butler of the Brampton Battalion. Team Orr scored four times on way to a 7–1 victory. Zack Phillips of the Saint John Sea Dogs, led all scorers with three points.
| 2011 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 19, 2011, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Air Canada Centre (Toronto, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 8,029 | |
| Game report[23] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Orr | Team Cherry |
| Coach | Bobby Orr | Don Cherry |
| Player of the game | Ryan Nugent-Hopkins | Ryan Murphy |
| Score | 7 | 1 |
2012 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]For the 2012 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game, Team Cherry was coached by Mark Recchi, and assistant Ryan Huska of the Kelowna Rockets. Team Orr was coached by Pat Quinn, and assistant Don Hay of the Vancouver Giants. Players of the game were Branden Troock of the Seattle Thunderbirds, and goaltender Matt Murray of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
| 2012 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 1, 2012, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Prospera Place (Kelowna, British Columbia) | |
| Attendance | 5,022 | |
| Game report[24] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Orr | Team Cherry |
| Coach | Bobby Orr | Don Cherry |
| Player of the game | Branden Troock | Matt Murray |
| Score | 2 | 1 |
2013 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game
[edit]Don Cherry returned as a coach, and Team Orr was coached by Mike McPhee. Team Orr outshot Team Cherry 36–20, and won 3–0. Players of the game were Tristan Jarry of the Edmonton Oil Kings, and Laurent Dauphin of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens.
| 2013 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 16, 2013, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Halifax Metro Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia) | |
| Attendance | 10,595 | |
| Game report[25] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Cherry | Team Orr |
| Coach | Don Cherry | Bobby Orr |
| Player of the game | Tristan Jarry | Laurent Dauphin |
| Score | 0 | 3 |
2014 BMO Top Prospects Game
[edit]
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The CHL announced Bank of Montreal (BMO) as the corporate title sponsor of the event, starting in 2014,[4] and several Calgary Flames celebrities to coach the 2014 BMO Top Prospects Game. Team Cherry was led by Jim Peplinski and Paul Reinhart, joined by broadcaster Nick Kypreos, and the general manager of the London Knights, Mark Hunter. Team Orr was led by Tim Hunter, Joel Otto, Mike Vernon, and former NHL coach, Doug MacLean. Team Orr scored three times in the second period, and won 4–3. Players of the game were Nikolay Goldobin of the Sarnia Sting, and Jared McCann of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
| 2014 BMO Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 15, 2014, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Scotiabank Saddledome (Calgary, Alberta) | |
| Attendance | 11,631 | |
| Game report[26] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Orr | Team Cherry |
| Coach | Tim Hunter | Jim Peplinski |
| Player of the game | Jared McCann | Nikolay Goldobin |
| Score | 4 | 3 |
2015 BMO Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry and Orr both returned as coaches for the 2015 BMO Top Prospects Game. Brian Kilrea and Bert O'Brien assisted Cherry, and Orr was joined by Niagara IceDogs' coaches Billy Burke and David Bell. Travis Konecny of the Ottawa 67's, and Timo Meier of the Halifax Mooseheads, both scored three points, leading Team Orr to a 6–0 victory.
| 2015 BMO Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 22, 2015, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Meridian Centre (St. Catharines, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 5,300 | |
| Game report[27] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Orr | Team Cherry |
| Coach | Bobby Orr | Don Cherry |
| Player of the game | Travis Konecny | Dylan Strome |
| Score | 6 | 0 |
2016 BMO Top Prospects Game
[edit]Cherry and Orr returned as coaches for the 2016 BMO Top Prospects Game. Brian Kilrea and Bert O'Brien returned as assistants to Cherry, and Glen Hanlon and Todd Warriner joined Orr. Team Orr was led to victory by three points each from Pascal Laberge of the Victoriaville Tigres, and Pierre-Luc Dubois of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.
| 2016 BMO Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 28, 2016, 6:00 pm | |
| Location | Pacific Coliseum (Vancouver, British Columbia) | |
| Attendance | 10,113 | |
| Game report[28] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Orr | Team Cherry |
| Coach | Bobby Orr | Don Cherry |
| Player of the game | Pascal Laberge | Michael McLeod |
| Score | 3 | 2 |
2017 Sherwin-Williams Top Prospects Game
[edit]
The CHL announced Sherwin-Williams as the corporate title sponsor of the event, starting in 2017.[5] The 2017 Sherwin-Williams Top Prospects Game featured four celebrity coaches, all of whom played junior hockey for the Quebec Remparts. Team Cherry was led by Simon Gagné and Pierre Lacroix, and the head coach of the Quebec Remparts, Philippe Boucher. Team Orr was led by Guy Chouinard and Dave Pichette, and the head coach of the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Dominique Ducharme.[29] Team Cherry scored three times on the power play, and won 7–5. Players of the game were Henri Jokiharju of the Portland Winterhawks, and Nico Hischier of the Halifax Mooseheads.
| 2017 Sherwin-Williams Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 30, 2017, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Centre Vidéotron (Quebec City, Quebec) | |
| Attendance | 9,707 | |
| Game report[30] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Cherry | Team Orr |
| Coach | Don Cherry | Bobby Orr |
| Player of the game | Henri Jokiharju | Nico Hischier |
| Score | 7 | 5 |
2018 Sherwin-Williams Top Prospects Game
[edit]Don Cherry returned as a celebrity coach, joined by James Richmond of the Mississauga Steelheads, and assistants Brian Kilrea, Bert O'Brien. Team Orr was coached by Eric Lindros, joined by the Guelph Storm's coaching staff, George Burnett, Jake Grimes, and Luca Caputi.[31] Team Cherry scored the first five goals of the game, en route to a 7–4 victory. Filip Zadina of the Halifax Mooseheads, Aidan Dudas of the Owen Sound Attack, and Ty Dellandrea of the Flint Firebirds, all scored two goals each in the victory.
| 2018 Sherwin-Williams Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 25, 2018, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | Sleeman Centre (Guelph, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 4,776 | |
| Game report[32] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Cherry | Team Orr |
| Coach | Don Cherry | Eric Lindros |
| Player of the game | Evan Bouchard | Kevin Bahl |
| Score | 7 | 4 |
2019 Sherwin-Williams Top Prospects Game
[edit]Ron MacLean coached Team Cherry, assisted by Dave Hunter and Brent Sutter. Kelly Hrudey returned to the Top Prospects Game to coach Team Orr, assisted by Marc Habscheid and Robyn Regehr. Team Orr scored four third period goals to win 5–4. Graeme Clarke of the Ottawa 67's, and Brett Leason of the Prince Albert Raiders both had a goal and an assist for Team Orr. Arthur Kaliyev of the Hamilton Bulldogs, and Nick Robertson of the Peterborough Petes both scored three points for Team Cherry.[33]
| 2019 Sherwin-Williams Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 23, 2019, 8:00 pm | |
| Location | ENMAX Centrium (Red Deer, Alberta) | |
| Attendance | 5,432 | |
| Game report[33] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Cherry | Team Orr |
| Coach | Ron MacLean | Kelly Hrudey |
| Player of the game | Peyton Krebs | Graeme Clarke |
| Score | 4 | 5 |
2020 Kubota Top Prospects Game
[edit]
The CHL announced Kubota as the corporate title sponsor of the event, starting in 2020.[6] Rob Wilson from the Peterborough Petes coached Team Red, and George Burnett from the Guelph Storm coached Team White. Tyson Foerster from the Barrie Colts, and Connor Zary from the Kamloops Blazers both scored three points in a 5–3 victory for Team White. Jeremie Poirier from the Saint John Sea Dogs scored two points for Team Red in the loss.[34]
| 2020 Kubota Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 16, 2020, 7:00 pm | |
| Location | FirstOntario Centre (Hamilton, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 6,436 | |
| Game report[34] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Red | Team White |
| Coach | Rob Wilson | George Burnett |
| Player of the game | Jack Quinn | Tyson Foerster |
| Score | 3 | 5 |
2022 Kubota Top Prospects Game
[edit]Following a one-year hiatus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CHL announced the return of the Top Prospects Game in 2022. Team Red was coached by Mike McKenzie of the Kitchener Rangers, assisted by Derek Roy, Jamie McLennan and Bryan Hayes. Team White was again coached by George Burnett of the Guelph Storm, assisted by Brian Kilrea, Jeff O’Neill and Michael DiStefano.[35]
| 2022 Kubota Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | March 23, 2022, 8:00 pm | |
| Location | Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex (Kitchener, Ontario) | |
| Attendance | 5,969 | |
| Game report[36] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Red | Team White |
| Coach | Mike McKenzie | George Burnett |
| Player of the game | Shane Wright | Jagger Firkus |
| Score | 1 | 3 |
2023 Kubota Top Prospects Game
[edit]The 2023 game showcased 40 players including 19 from the WHL, 15 from the OHL, six from the QMJHL, and the expected first-overall draft pick Connor Bedard.[3] Michael Dyck and Brent Seabrook, both of the Vancouver Giants, served as head coach of Team Red and Team White respectively. Four former Vancouver Canucks players served as assistant coaches; Henrik Sedin and Ron Delorme for Team Red, and Daniel Sedin and Stan Smyl for Team White.[37]
Team White won the game by a 4–2 score, with goaltenders Scott Ratzlaff and Jackson Unger combining to make 45 saves. In the first period, Mathieu Cataford scored for Team Red, and Colby Barlow scored for Team White. After a scoreless second period, Team White had goals from Carson Rehkopf, Luca Pinelli, and Calum Ritchie. With 36 seconds remaining, Zach Benson scored the final goal for Team Red. Recognized as players of the game for their teams were Carson Rehkopf for Team White, and Riley Heidt for Team Red.[37]
| 2023 Kubota Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 25, 2023, 5:00 pm | |
| Location | Langley Events Centre (Langley, British Columbia) | |
| Attendance | 5,276[37] | |
| Game report[38] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team White | Team Red |
| Coach | Michael Dyck | Brent Seabrook |
| Score | 4 | 2 |
2024 Kubota Top Prospects Game
[edit]Forty players were chosen for the game, six of which were born outside of North America, including Harrison Brunicke who was born in South Africa. Adam Jecho was the highest-ranked European-born player. Team captains were Sam Dickinson for Team Red, and Berkly Catton for Team White. After a scoreless first period, Liam Greentree scored for Team White, then Ben Danford tied the game for Team Red. Raoul Boilard scored the winning goal six minutes into the third period. After an empty-net goal, Team Red won by a 3–1 score. Goaltenders Ryerson Leenders and Lukas Matecha combined for 38 saves on 39 shots for the win. Boilard was named player of the game for Red, and Tij Iginla was named player of the game for White.[39][40]
| 2024 Kubota Top Prospects Game | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 24, 2024, 7:30 pm | |
| Location | Avenir Centre (Moncton, New Brunswick) | |
| Game report[41] | Home | Away |
| Team | Team Red | Team White |
| Coaches | Gerard Gallant & Daniel Lacroix | Jim Hulton & Mike Kelly |
| Score | 3 | 1 |
2024 Kubota CHL/USA Prospects Challenge
[edit]The CHL Top Prospects Game was replaced by the CHL/USA Prospects Challenge in 2024, becoming an annual two-game series featuring the top NHL entry draft prospects from the CHL versus those from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.[42][43] CHL players for the game were chosen by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau in consultation with NHL teams.[42]
Under the new format, a game after regulation time would see a five-minute 3-on-3 overtime period then a shootout if necessary. If the series is tied on points after two games, the teams would play 3-on-3 20-minute period(s) to determine the winner.[42] CHL president Dan MacKenzie felt that the new event would "[serve] as a best-on-best showcase [to] provide our top draft-eligible players from across the CHL with a great opportunity to demonstrate their elite talent and world-class skill set as they work towards hearing their name called at the NHL draft".[43]
In the 2024 game, head coaches were Kris Mallette for the CHL, and Greg Moore for the USA.[42] Porter Martone was selected as the CHL captain; with Blake Fiddler, Matthew Schaefer, and Caleb Desnoyers as alternate captains.[42][44] The was the first head-to-head matchup between Canada and the USA since the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.[45]
The CHL team included three players expected to be top five picks in the 2025 NHL entry draft, and won both games of the series. ESPN opined that, "this was a dominant showing from Team CHL and shows the caliber of team they could send to the under-18 World Championships if every player was available for selection".[45] The CHL's top line of Martone, Desnoyers, and Michael Misa, led the scoring, with all three expected as top-10 draft picks. Jack Murtagh scored two of the three USA goals, and goaltender Harrison Boettiger was credited by ESPN for keeping the scores close.[45]
| 2025 Kubota CHL/USA Prospects Challenge | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dates and location[42] | Game 1: November 26, Canada Life Place (London, Ontario)
Game 2: November 27, Tribute Communities Centre (Oshawa, Ontario) | |
| Game report[45] | Home | Away |
| Team | Canadian Hockey League | USA Hockey National Team Development Program |
| Coaches | Kris Mallette | Greg Moore |
| Game 1 score | 6 | 1 |
| Game 2 score | 3 | 2 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Kitchener To Host Top Prospects Game". Kitchener Rangers. Canadian Hockey League. October 7, 2002. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
- ^ "CHL Announces Rosters for the 2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - Hockey's Future". Hockey's Future. December 28, 2009. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
- ^ a b "Bedard headlines players named for 2023 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". The Sports Network. Toronto, Ontario. December 12, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
- ^ a b "BMO named title sponsor of BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". Canadian Hockey League. November 15, 2013. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
- ^ a b "CHL and Sherwin-Williams announce expanded partnership". Canadian Hockey League. October 3, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
- ^ a b "CHL welcomes Kubota as Top Prospects Game title partner". Kubota Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. October 16, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ a b c d Bell, Aaron. Canadian Hockey League Information/Accommodations Guide and Record Book. Vol. 2007–08. Toronto: Canadian Hockey League. pp. 172–175.
- ^ "1996 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. February 15, 1996. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "1997 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. February 12, 1997. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "1998 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. February 10, 1998. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "1999 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. February 16, 1999. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2000 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. February 2, 2000. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2001 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. February 7, 2001. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2002 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 31, 2002. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2003 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 22, 2003. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2004 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 21, 2004. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2005 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 19, 2005. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2006 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 18, 2006. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2007 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 17, 2007. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2008 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 23, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2009 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 14, 2009. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2010 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 20, 2010. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2011 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 19, 2011. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2012 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. February 1, 2012. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2013 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 16, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2014 BMO Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 15, 2014. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2015 BMO Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 22, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "2016 BMO Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 28, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "Gagné and Chouinard to Coach at the 2017 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. January 19, 2017. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
- ^ "2017 Sherwin-Williams Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 30, 2017. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ "Cherry and Lindros to Coach 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". Canadian Hockey League. January 10, 2018. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
- ^ "2018 Sherwin-Williams Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 25, 2018. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ a b "2019 Sherwin-Williams Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 23, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ a b "2020 Kubota Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
- ^ "Canadian Hockey League announces celebrity coaches for 2022 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". chl.ca. Canadian Hockey League. February 25, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ "2022 Kubota Top Prospects Game". Top Prospects. Canadian Hockey League. March 23, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Team White defeats Team Red 4-2 at 2023 kubota CHL/NHL top prospects game". Saanich News. Black Press. January 26, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
- ^ "Team White wins 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". January 26, 2023.
- ^ Morreale, Mike G. (January 25, 2024). "5 things learned from 2024 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". National Hockey League. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
- ^ Tate, Adam (January 25, 2024). "2024 CHL Kubota Top Prospects Game Recap and Standouts Performances". McKeen's Hockey. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
- ^ "Danford scores, Goaltending shines as Team Red wins 2024 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game". January 25, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Morreale, Mike G. (November 25, 2024). "Top 2025 NHL Draft prospects from CHL, U.S. NTDP ready to go head-to-head". National Hockey League. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ a b "CHL & USA Hockey announce CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota". Western Hockey League. June 26, 2024. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ "Leadership Group for Team CHL Revealed for 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge Presented by Kubota Canada". Our Sports Central. November 14, 2024. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Doerrie, Rachel (November 29, 2024). "Standout, surprises at the 2024 CHL-USA Prospects Challenge". ESPN. Retrieved December 13, 2024.