Penticton will be hosting 12 first round picks from the NHL's 2014 Entry Draft during the Canucks Young Stars Classic Sept. 12-15.
The tournament will feature notable prospects from the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets. Over the past three Young Star Classics, over 65 players have gone on to play NHL games.
The Canucks roster will have five first round picks since 2011 including Jared McCann (24th overall in 2014), Bo Horvat (ninth overall in 2013), Hunter Shinkaruk (24th overall in 2013), Brendan Gaunce (26th overall in 2012), and Nicklas Jensen (29th overall in 2011). Dane Fox, who led the Ontario Hockey League in goals (64) and ranked second in points (107) in 2013-14, will also attend along with Frank Corrado and Mike Zalewski, a former Vernon Viper, who spent time on the Canucks roster last season.
The Flames roster includes three first round draft picks: Sam Bennett (fourth overall in 2014), Emile Poirier (22nd overall in 2013) and Morgan Klimchuk (28th overall in 2013). In addition, Mason McDonald, the 34thoverall pick and first goalie to be drafted in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, has been named to the roster. John Gaudreau, winner of the 2014 Hobey Baker Award, will also be in attendance. The Oilers prospects include Leon Draisaitl (selected third overall in 2014), Darnell Nurse (selected seventh overall in 2013), Mitch Moroz (selected 32nd overall in 2012) and David Musil (selected 31st overall 2011). Laurent Brossoit, who was named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team and ECHL 2nd All-Star Team following the 2013-14 season, will also attend the event. From the Winnipeg Jets the prospects include Nikolaj Ehlers (ninth overall in 2014) and Josh Morrissey (13th overall in 2013). The list also includes Nic Petan and J.C. Lipon, who represented Canada at the World Junior Championships in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Ryan Olsen, who collected 73 points in 2013-14 with the Kelowna Rockets, has been named to the tournament. Scott Kosmachuk, who collected 101 points and appeared in the Memorial Cup final with the Guelph Storm and 2014 NCAA Goalie of the Year, Connor Hellebuyck, will appear.
Tournament ticket packages include six games for $60.00* are on sale July 11 at 10 a.m. This all-event package offers best value to fans with savings of 30 per cent available until Aug. 15. A new offering this year are two VIP ticket packages for $85.00* and $180.00* (*plus applicable fees). For information and details on what VIP packages include please visit canucks.com/youngstars and valleyfirsttix.com. Six-game ticket packages can be purchased online at valleyfirsttix.com, by phone at 1-877-763-2849, in person at the Valley First Box Office (at the SOEC) or at Penticton & Wine Country Visitor Centre.
For more information about the Young Stars Classic and surrounding events, please go to canucks.com/youngstars.
Young Stars Classic schedule*
GAME TEAMS DATE TIME
Game 1 Calgary vs Winnipeg Sept. 12 4:00 pm
Game 2 Vancouver vs Edmonton Sept. 12 7:30 pm
Game 3 Calgary vs Edmonton Sept. 13 7:30 pm
Game 4 Vancouver vs Winnipeg Sept. 14 2:00 pm
Game 5 Vees’ Exhibition** Sept. 14 5:30 pm
Game 6 Edmonton vs Winnipeg Sept. 15 11:30 am
Game 7 Vancouver vs Calgary Sept. 15 5:30 pm
*Game dates, times, rosters and opponents subject to change.
**Penticton Vees Exhibition game ticket included FREE, with the purchase of a tournament package.