Penticton Vees defenceman Griffin Mendel is among 40 Canadian Junior Hockey League players playing in the Prospects Game Jan. 25.
The CJHL, in partnership with the National Hockey League and in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting announced rosters for the upcoming CJHL Prospects Game in Cornwall, Ont., at Ed Lumley Arena.
Mendel has four assists in 33 games for the Vees and represented Canada West in the World Junior A Challenge last month.
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Also playing in the Prospects Game from the BCHL is Parm Dhaliwal of the West Kelowna Warriors, Kale Howarth of the Trail Smoke Eaters, Marcus Mitchell of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, Michael Regush and Tyler Ward of the Merritt Centennials, Jamie Rome of the Victoria Grizzlies and former Vee Desi Burgart of the Surrey Eagles along with his teammate, defenceman Cory Babichuk, who the Vees traded to Surrey before the season started.
Each of the players chosen were selected through the efforts of NHL Central Scouting and are currently among the top 40 CJHL prospects heading into the 2017 NHL Draft in Chicago.
“We congratulate each of the players on their selection to compete in the 2017 CJHL Prospects Game in Cornwall and commend NHL Central Scouting for their contributions in helping formalize the Team East and Team West rosters,” said CJHL President Brent Ladds in a press release. “We are confident this group of young men will provide all those in attendance, including the multitude of scouts and Junior A hockey fans alike, a tremendous showcase of CJHL talent from right across the country.”
The two team rosters were put together by NHL Central Scouting, headed up by its director, Dan Marr.
"The CJHL Prospects Game is a tremendous opportunity for these players to showcase their ability and represent their teams, leagues and communities on a national stage," said Marr.