Virtanen and Thomas Named to Team Orr
Published on December 13, 2013 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release
Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club would like to congratulate second-year forward Jake Virtanen and rookie defenceman Ben Thomas on being named to Team Orr for the 2014 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, held Wednesday, January 15 at the Scotiabank Saddledome. With the addition of Virtanen and Thomas, the Hitmen have now been represented in this event by 26 players since 1996, a CHL-high.
"This is a great opportunity for Jake and Ben," said Hitmen head coach Mike Williamson. "Both players are playing big roles on our hockey team and we're excited for them to be recognized. Being selected to play in the Top Prospects Game and having it right here in Calgary in front of our fans will be a great experience."
Virtanen, a native of Abbotsford, British Columbia, was selected by Calgary first overall in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft. He has appeared in 30 games this season, recording 15 goals and nine assists for 24 points over that span. The 6-1, 210-pound forward was recently given an 'A' level rating by NHL Central Scouting in their November Players to Watch list.
Thomas, a native of Calgary, Alberta, has recorded two goals and 13 assists for 15 points over 31 games played this season. Calgary selected the 6-2, 193-pound defenceman in the third round, 45th overall, in the 2011 draft. NHL Central Scouting rated Thomas as a 'C' level prospect in their Players to Watch list for November.
The CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will be broadcast live on Sportsnet and TVA Sports beginning at 7:00 p.m. MT, and is also available on the NHL Network in the United States and on Sportsnet 960 The FAN.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased for as little as $12.00 for a child ticket and $17.00 for an adult ticket (plus applicable fees) at all Ticketmaster locations and the Scotiabank Saddledome box office. Order online at www.ticketmaster.ca or by phone at 1-855-985-5000. Group ticket pricing is also available by calling 403-777-4646.
Western Hockey League Stories from December 13, 2013
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- Kelowna wins over Brandon in OT - Kelowna Rockets
- Needham, Ully Big In 4-2 Win In Prince Albert - Kamloops Blazers
- Pats win over Saskatoon - Regina Pats
- Virtanen and Thomas Named to Team Orr - Calgary Hitmen
- Tigers Lend Helping Hand to Salvation Army Tree of Hope - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Blazers in Prince Albert Tonight - Kamloops Blazers
- Edmonds Selected to CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - Prince George Cougars
- Join Us Tomorrow for An Autograph Session - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Oil Kings' Irving Named to Top Prospects Roster - Edmonton Oil Kings
- 2014 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Rosters Announced - WHL
- Game Day Preview: Pats at Saskatoon - Regina Pats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
