DeBrusk named to Team Cherry for Top Prospects Game

A strong opening half for Swift Current Broncos’ forward Jake DeBrusk has led to an invitation to the 2015 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game next month.

DeBrusk, 18, is among 40 of the top draft eligible players from Canadian Hockey League that will skate in the game in St. Catherines, ON on January 22, 2015.

“It is an honour obviously when you get chosen for that. I was pretty excited. I heard from the guys this morning. It is an honour even just to be thought about there and I am really looking forward to it,” said the Edmonton native.

The sophomore forward has 17 goals and 17 assists in 35 games this season after registering 15 goals and 24 assists in 72 games as a rookie in 2013-14.

“Right now I am focusing on the team, but personally it was one of my goals coming in to aim for. I did it and I am pretty happy with it and hopefully I can have a good showing,” he said.

He had a strong second half last season and was one of the team’s most dangerous players in the playoffs with three goals and one assist in six games.

“I thought it was possible. I thought I had a shot and I had to play really well. I thought if I played my game that was consistent in the second half of last year then I would have a shot. I just pushed for it. So far this first half has been awesome for me and I got it and is was awesome.”

The 40 CHL players competing in the game were chosen by the 30 NHL clubs and divided into teams by NHL Central Scouting. This season’s event marks the 20th annual showcase of the CHL’s top-40 NHL Draft eligible players featuring talent from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League competing before hundreds of NHL scouts in attendance.

DeBrusk is one of 12 forwards on Team Cherry, who will be coached by Don Cherry, Brian Kilrea, Bert O’Brien, and Nick Kypreos. Team Orr, featuring projected number one pick Connor McDavid, will be coached by Bobby Orr, Marty Williamson, Dave Bell, Billy Burke, and Doug MacLean.

“The BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is an event that all NHL scouts and General Managers circle on their calendars,” said NHL Central Scouting Director Dan Marr. “The 40 players competing in this game were chosen by our 30 NHL clubs and provides a unique opportunity for them to evaluate top CHL talent for the 2015 NHL Draft. This is also a unique opportunity for the players who can take advantage of the spotlight to promote their play in this exciting and highly competitive single-game best-on-best contest.”

In the past 19 years a total of 265 players from this event have been selected in the first round of the NHL Draft representing 47% of all players selected by NHL clubs in the first round.