We are 10 days away from the Young Stars Classic in Penticton. The team announced their roster for the event and we have a few interesting invites.
The Young Stars Classic is almost here. Yesterday, the Vancouver Canucks revealed their roster. Just like the Summer Showdown, it is subject to change. Injuries happen, but here’s to hoping for everyone to arrive in top shape for the event. The obvious names will be part of the event, as I covered when the dates for this were announced.
First off, I’d like to make a correction. I mistakenly assumed that the teams from UBC and Alberta would play against the Jets and Canucks prospects. As much fun as would have to see our prospects skate circles around them, it makes sense that the Canucks and Jets teams will play each other twice.
The Young Stars Classic is meant for friendly competition, not demoralize other players. The Canucks and Jets play game 1 is on September 7 at 7:30 pm PST while the second game is on September 9 at 2:00 pm PST.
Notable invites
Aside from the prospects, you are familiar with, the Canucks are bringing back familiar faces from the Summer Showdown. Nando Eggenberger will hopefully play, missing the summer prospects game due to an injury.
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He surprisingly went unclaimed in this year’s draft and maybe the Canucks could add another impressive prospect to their ranks. Although, with his commitment to the Oshawa Generals, things could get complicated in trying to sign him. He may have to re-enter the draft first.
I have been talking about local prospects for the last week and the Canucks have taken the hint. Well, not really, but they did invite Owen Hardy from the Vancouver Giants. His teammate, Kaleb Bulych will join the defence. I was hoping Dylan Plouffe would receive another invite after the Summer Showdown, but I was sadly disappointed.
No Quinn Hughes also means no Tyler Madden or Jack Rathbone. The NCAA considers this a pro tournament, even if it really isn’t a tournament. Isaac Nurse will be here again as well as the two newest regular additions to the Utica Comets, Tanner MacMaster and and Reid Gardiner.
And last, but not least is Jett Woo. Did you think I was going to forget him? Winnipeg will have big prospects at the Classic, so it should be fun to see how he stacks up. If you were there for the Summer Showdown, expect different things from this event. The Canucks have put as much talent as possible into their lineup and will play a much more structured game.
For the prospects already with the organization, they are showing the coaches the kind of start they will have for training camp. First impressions are big and a special occasion such as this are a great way to make one.
But for the new invites, there is more at stake. Nobody took a chance on them at the draft. These games could put other teams on notice, even if it means adding them to an NHL team’s affiliate. The hockey in Penticton will be more competitive and exciting. I think everyone attending and watching live from home will be in for a treat.