Wednesday notes: D'Orio makes Top Prospects Game start

Alex D'Orio didn't end the night with the greatest numbers - but neither did most of the goaltenders who took part in the 2017 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

D'Orio, who started in net for Team Orr, allowed four goals on 19 shots in just over 31 minutes of action in what proved to be a high scoring affair. Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires played the second half of the game for Team Orr, allowing two goals on 16 shots.

Team Cherry ended up winning the back-and-forth match 7-5 over Team Orr in Quebec City. According to the CHL website, "the two sides combined for a record-tying 12 goals, equaling totals from 1996, 2005 and 2008 as offensive talent and creativity flowed freely under head coaches Simon Gagné and Guy Chouinard."

#SJSeaDogs goaltender Alex D'Orio made 15 saves in Monday's #SWTP Game. CHL.ca recap: https://t.co/ur9B2KhFoC pic.twitter.com/pQOD6ECeqC

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) January 31, 2017

It was a decent night for the QMJHL. Halifax Mooseheads star Nico Hischier, who has seemingly cemented himself as a top-three pick in this year's NHL Draft, was named Team Orr's player of the game with one goal and two assists.

Antoine Morand of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan had a good night as well, registering a goal and an assist for Team Cherry.

Top prospect Nolan Patrick of the Brandon Wheat Kings had two assists in the contest.

The annual event features the top NHL Draft prospects from across the CHL. This year's NHL Draft takes place June 23-24 in Chicago.

Some other news and notes...

• Based on winning percentage, the Sea Dogs are currently the best team in the QMJHL (.702). They sit one-point back of the Shawinigan Cataractes for first overall in the points standings but have played one fewer game.
• Sea Dogs prospect Shane Bowers was named the USHL's Forward of the Week with three goals and two assists in three games.
• Speaking of Bowers, he was ranked 20th in Bob McKenzie's latest rankings.
• The Sea Dogs are one of the team's to beat in the QMJHL this season, explains The Hockey Writers.
• HockeyProspect.com has released its February rankings for the 2017 QMJHL Entry Draft, which will take place at Harbour Station. Alexis Lafreniere remains in top spot.
• Julien Gautheir spoke with the league website about his world junior experience.
• Also on the league website is an article on Mathieu Joseph's point streak.