Three members of the Kelowna Chiefs will be among 40 players auditioning their talents for hockey scouts on Saturday afternoon at Rutland Arena.
At 2 p.m., the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League will host its 2017 Top Prospects Game.
Players born in 1999 or 2000 will be split into two teams representing the Okanagan Conference and Kootenay Conference.
Chiefs teammates Tanner Marshall, Brendan Laing and Brendan Mongey will all suit up for the Okanagan side.
“(The Chiefs) believe in development and moving players on to the next level,” said Chiefs’ head coach Jason Tansem. “With the fact our players have been called up for over 25 games in the BCHL this year, the recent signing of Brody Dale to the Vernon Vipers and having three players in the Top Prospects game, it solidifies our approach and our belief.
“Although it may cost us in the standings when our players aren’t in our lineup it is the right thing to do for the players,” Tansem added. “When players move up, it gives others opportunity and that is what we are all about.”
Marshall, a 16-year-old goaltender and Kelowna product, has 13 wins, a 3.05 goals against average and three shutouts in his first season with the Chiefs.
Laing, 16, a defenceman has three goals and nine points in 30 games in his rookie season in the KIJHL.
Mongey, who replaced Brody Dale on the Okanagan roster, is a 17-year-old forward, who has seven goals and 23 points in 33 games for Kelowna.
Saturday’s game, which is running in concert with the Kelowna International Elite Midget Tournament, is designed to showcase the skills of league’s best young prospects and to strengthen the KIJHL’s relationship with the Western Hockey League.
“We look forward to continuing to grow our working relationship with the Western Hockey League for the future players in the game,” said Top Prospects GM Brad Fox.
The Top Prospects Game will be aired live on Saturday at 2 p.m. on Shaw TV.
Chiefs on road…
With three of their players in the Top Prospects Game, the Kelowna Chiefs will be a little short staffed for Saturday night’s KIJHL game in 100 Mile House against the Wranglers.
It’s the last of six straight road games for the Chiefs, whose next home action is Friday, Jan. 20 against Osoyoos Coyotes.
On Wednesday night in Enderby, Kelowna edged the North Okanagan Knights 4-3. Brendan Laing connected for the game winner with less than five minutes remaining in the game.
Ryan Pereverzoff scored twice in the win, while Josh Johnston added a pair of assists. Tanner Marshall stopped 21 shots for his 13th win in the Kelowna net.
