Winkler, Man. To Host 2009 CJHL Prospects Game:

Winkler, Man. to host 2009 CJHL Prospects Game

Thursday, June 4, 2009 - Submitted by CJHL Network

Scouts from Canadian and American universities, and the NHL will catch a glimpse of the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s top young players at the Annual CJHL Prospects Game this coming December 7th to 9th in Winkler, Manitoba.

The city of Winkler, Manitoba in partnership with the Manitoba Junior Hockey League will host the 2009 CJHL Prospects Game, a showcase that will see the best Junior A hockey players in Canada face off in a two-game series. This marks the second occasion that Winkler will host the annual prospects game, who were successful hosts in 2007.

The 2009 event will also highlight the great partnership that has recently been finalized between Hockey Canada, the CJHL and the National Hockey League.

"The Canadian Junior Hockey League is thrilled to be heading back to Winkler again," says Paul Lake, the CJHL chair. "We received tremendous support in 2007 when we were there last and we are looking forward to another first class event this year as they welcome our best prospects once again."

The game will see players from the CJHL’s five Western leagues -- the British Columbia Hockey League, the Alberta Junior Hockey League, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, the Manitoba Hockey League and the Superior International Hockey League -- compete against the best players from the CJHL’S five Eastern leagues -- the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Junior Hockey League, the Central Junior A Hockey League, the Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Quebec and the Maritime Junior A Hockey League.

"The City of Winkler and the Winkler Flyers are excited to have the opportunity to host the CJHL Prospects Event for the second time in the past three years," host committee chair Henry Siemens says. "This event continues to grow in size and scope and we are looking forward to hosting some of the best Junior A Hockey Players in Canada, and once again showcasing our community to players, fans and scouts."

Each team will consist of two goaltenders, six defensemen and twelve forwards. Team East and Team West will playoff for the President's Cup, which is awarded to the winning team at the CJHL Prospects Game.

"The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is proud to be the host League for the 2009 CJHL Prospects Game," says Manitoba Junior Hockey League Commissioner Kim Davis. "This event has generated significant interest from the NHL and we are excited to partner with the other Leagues to provide this great opportunity for the top draft eligible Junior A players in Canada. Just like in 2007, the community of Winkler will do a tremendous job of hosting the event and the fans will see exceptional hockey by our top players."

Results from past CJHL Prospect Games:

2008 – Team East defeated Team West 6-3 in Summerside, PEI

2007 - Team East defeated Team West 5-3 in Winkler, Manitoba

2006 - Team West defeated Team East 6-2 in Vernon, British Columbia

2005 - Team West defeated Team East 5-4 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan

Stay tuned to www.cjhlhockey.com for additional news related to the 2009 CJHL Prospects Game, including a schedule of events, ticket sales information and roster announcements.