WHL Spokane Chiefs

Wahl Named a Top Prospect

Published on January 9, 2008 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Spokane Chief forward Mitch Wahl has been selected to play in the 2008 Home Hardware CHL-NHL Top Prospects game at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta on January 22nd and 23rd. Wahl is one of 40 players, 14 from the Western Hockey League, selected to play.

Wahl, the Chiefs first round selection (4th overall) in the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft, is in his second season in a Spokane sweater and is second on the team in scoring with 47 points. His 34 assists are fourth in the league and is +29, tops the WHL. The Seal Beach, California native was named the Chiefs Rookie of the Year last season after scoring 16 goals and 48 points.

Wahl is the 10th Chief all-time to participate in the Top Prospects game. Ty Jones, Brad Ference and Derek Schutz played in 1997, Kyle Rossiter in 1998, Jeff Lucky in 2001, Brad Schell in 2002, Michael Grabner and Kevin Armstong in 2006 and Drayson Bowman last year. Eight of the participants were selected the following summer in the NHL Entry Draft including three first round picks (Ference, Jones-1997, Grabner-2006).

"We are very proud to announce the outstanding lineup of players that will compete in this year's edition of the Home Hardware CHL-NHL Top Prospects Game," said CHL President David Branch. "This event has become one of the most anticipated on the hockey calendar every January and we are very thankful for our partnership with the National Hockey League and Home Hardware that help make this game possible. The Canadian Hockey League is very excited to be back in Edmonton with the return of the Oil Kings and we look forward to hosting this special event there."

The 2008 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is the annual showcase of the top draft eligible players from the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and features the next wave of future NHL stars from across the Canadian Hockey League. The two-day event will feature the annual Top Prospects game, as well as a thrilling skills competition where players can show-off their individual abilities for fans and scouts alike.

The rosters are selected by the 30 NHL general managers as well as the NHL's Central Scouting department.

"The Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is a major event where scouts can see all the premier draft-eligible players in Major Junior hockey compete head-to-head," said NHL Central Scouting Director, EJ McGuire. "This year again promises an opportunity for players to showcase their talent to all NHL scouts with the ultimate goal of making the jump into the NHL, as Sam Gagner of the Edmonton Oilers did last year at the Top Prospects Game."

Home Hardware, a title sponsor since 2000, continues as the title partner of the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game this year.

"We are looking forward to the 2008 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects game being hosted in the City of Champions," said Bruce Shuh, Director of Marketing for Home Hardware Stores Limited. "Our Independent Dealers support local hockey teams and events in more than 1,000 communities across Canada and as a National Dealer Network, we are proud to be involved with major sporting events such as the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. The game has a storied tradition of helping hundreds of young men achieve their goal of playing in the NHL and we are proud to be associated with such a positive experience."

The long list of NHL stars that have participated in the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game includes Dion Phaneuf, Roberto Luongo, Patrick Marleau, Gilbert Brule, Scott Gomez, Marc-Andre Fleury and Edmonton Oilers' rookie Sam Gagner.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Western Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2008


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.

OurSports Central