GALIEV GETS HIS SPOTLIGHT

Sea Dogs fans know that Stanislav Galiev is the real deal. The QMJHL knows he has the skills because he is currently leading all rookies in scoring with 38 points. Does the rest of Canada know who this guy is? No.

But know, Galiev will have the chance to show off his stuff in front of the country - or at least the greater Windsor area. Today the first overall pick in the 2009 CHL Import Draft was selected to participate in the 2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects game. The game will take place at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, ON, beginning with a skills competition on Tuesday January 19 followed by the game on Wednesday January 20, 2010.

“On behalf of the Canadian Hockey League I am pleased to announce the rosters for the 2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game which includes 40 of the top prospects eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft from across the CHL” said CHL President David Branch in a release. “CHL fans in attendance and watching live across the country on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS have the opportunity to preview the next wave of NHL stars as they compete in front of a record number of NHL management and scouts in what will surely be an intense competition.”

The rosters were selected by the 30 NHL General Managers with NHL Central Scouting and include 18 players from the Ontario Hockey League, 13 players from the Western Hockey League, and nine players from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. 18 players competed at the 2009 Subway Super Series including 12 players on Team Orr and six players on Team Cherry.

“On behalf of NHL Central Scouting we are very excited to visit Windsor and watch 40 of the CHL’s top prospects compete at the 2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game said E.J McGuire, Director of NHL Central Scouting. “The players named to the rosters should be proud of their accomplishments so far this season but should take advantage of all opportunities at this event to elevate their play and prove that they are ready for the next level.”

The Russian sniper has been very impressive with Saint John this season. He has been playing on the Sea Dogs' top line with veterans Mike Hoffman and Nicholas Petersen. In 37 games, Galiev has 10 goals and 28 assists. He also leads all rookies and is ranked third overall in the QMJHL with an amazing +30 rating.

Despite Galiev's success, he has been overshadowed mightily by another Russian playing up the highway in Kirill Kabanov. Kabanov was named to the Top Prospects game roster today but likely won't play due to a wrist injury. Two of his team mates, Brandon Gormley and Louis Domingue, were also named to the team.

“It’s a great honour to be selected and a great opportunity to be play in the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects game” said Gormley, who was also invited to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp. “I have been watching the game on TV for a number of years now and I’m sure it will be a fantastic experience. I look forward to it.”

2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Rosters:
Team Cherry (Red):
Forwards (12) CHL Club
Jakub Culek Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
Emerson Etem Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Stanislav Galiev Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Taylor Hall* Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Curtis Hamilton* Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
Ryan Johansen Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Kirill Kabanov Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Ryan Spooner Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Ivan Telegin* Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Austin Watson Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Jordan Weal Regina Pats (WHL)
Andrew Yogan Erie Otters (OHL)

Defence (6)
Brandon Archibald Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Brock Beukeboom Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Cam Fowler Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Erik Gudbranson* Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Alexander Petrovic Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Troy Rutkowski Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

Goaltenders (2)
Maxime Clermont* Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Calvin Pickard* Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

Head Coach : Don Cherry
Assistant Coaches: Brian Kilrea and Bert O’Brien
Trainer: Andy Brown (Owen Sound Attack)
Equipment Manager: Russ Hammond (Guelph Storm)

Team Orr (White) CHL Club
Forwards (12)
Alexander Burmistrov* Barrie Colts (OHL)
Michael Bournival* Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
Brett Connolly* Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Joey Hishon Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
Quinton Howden* Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Ryan Martindale Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
John McFarland* Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Nino Niederreiter Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Tyler Seguin* Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Jeff Skinner* Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Petr Straka Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
Tyler Toffoli* Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

Defence (6)
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc Rouyn Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
Brandon Gormley* Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Matt MacKenzie Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Dylan McIlrath Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Mark Pysyk* Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Stephen Silas* Belleville Bulls (OHL)

Goaltenders (2)
Louis Domingue* Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Mark Visentin Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Head Coach: Bobby Orr
Assistant Coach: Bob Boughner (Windsor Spitfires)
Trainer: Joey Garland (Windsor Spitfires)
Equipment Manager: Tyson Tatomir (Windsor Spitfires)

*Competed in the 2009 SUBWAY Super Series