I've had this idea floating around in my head for a while now. The CHL has a prospect game for NHL draft eligible players. Why doesn' the WHL have one for their young stars.
I asked WHL Commish Ron Robison that question today on the TEAM 1260 morning show. He said I was reading his crystal ball and that something is in the works.
After some digging, I have come to find out that this November in Red Deer the league will be showcasing some of the top 1994 born players from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Albert and B.C. This will include players like 2009 first overall pick Derek Pouliot of Portland, and 3rd overall selection Griffin Reinhart of Edmonton and Matt Dumba chosen 4th by Red Deer. While I think it's cool to showcase some talent that will be in the league next year, unless there is a Television audience watching (maybe the game will be carried on SHAW) then it's a very limited fan base that gets to see it. I'm hoping down the road that a game will be created where bantam draft eligible players are involved, similar to the NHL's top prospects game. That way scouts get to see all the kids at once and WHL fans get to know who their team might draft (again there would need to be some television coverage for this) Right now there are tournaments like this called the Alberta Cup, but as the name suggests, it's only for kids in Wild Rose country. A western Canadian game would be a great move.
Expect an announcment about the "already drafted kids game" from the league soon.
Tune in tonight to The Pipeline Show. We'll speak with Springfield Falcons head coach Rob Daum, Regina Pats forward Jordan Weal, Power Skating Guru Darryl Belfry and USCHO.COM writer Jimmy Connolly about some NCAA events, including a player that doesn't have any elegibility left, for one ridiculous reason. 7-9 PM MST on the TEAM 1260 in the Edmonton area or on line at www.thepipelineshow.com and www.theteam1260.com. Email any questions or thoughts you might have to the ST. ALBERT SOURCE FOR SPORTS inbox, pipeup@thepipelineshow.com.
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