The Canadian Hockey League’s annual Top Prospects Game took place last night in Moncton, New Brunswick. Team Red was victorious, beating Team White by a final score of 3-1. In a close and hard-fought game, Team Red’s Raoul Boilard was the difference maker, as the Baie-Comeau forward scored two goals for Team Red.
The annual Top Prospects game is one of the biggest events of the season in terms of scouting the upcoming draft class. Although it’s hard to make any assessments after just one particular game, the Canadian Hockey League’s Top Prospects Game gives us the opportunity to see some of the best draft eligibles across all three leagues go head-to-head. I’ve created a list of standout players from last night’s event and highly recommend keeping an eye on these players moving forward.
Team Red
D, Sam Dickinson | London Knights (OHL)
It’s no surprise that London Knights defenseman Sam Dickinson was one of the standouts from last night’s event. The 6’2” left-handed defenseman is one of the most complete and polished prospects heading into this year’s NHL Entry-Draft.
F, Cole Beaudoin | Barrie Colts (OHL)
Cole Beaudoin is one of the most interesting draft eligibles from this year’s draft class. He’s got the size, a strong release, and good offensive tools that any team would want down the middle, but the skating could use some work. Cole Beaudoin was all over the ice in the Canadian Hockey League’s Top Prospects Game and was certainly a difference-maker.
D, Colton Roberts | Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Vancouver Giants defenseman Colton Roberts had a solid game at last night’s event. Although more known for his defensive game, Colton Roberts made some nice plays in the offensive-zone including a great pass to Ben Danford for a goal. The 6’4” right-handed defenseman possesses all the qualities for a modern day defensive defenseman.
C, Raoul Boilard | Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
It’s hard not to include the only player from last night’s event that factored in on all three goals for Team Red. The 6’1” forward had a strong game adding two goals and one assist for three points. Raoul Boilard also made a few nice plays on both ends of the ice.
D, Ben Danford | Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Ben Danford has had a strong season with the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League so far. Although more known for his defensive game, similar to Colton Roberts, Ben Danford made some nice plays in the offensive-zone and even chipped in for a goal himself. The 6’1” right-handed defenseman can play on either side of the ice, which helped benefit his offensive game last night.
Team White
F, Tig Iginla | Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Tig Iginla is one of my favorite draft eligibles from this year’s class. The highly skilled forward made some great plays in the offensive zone, going against some of the best defensive prospects. Although he was held pointless, Tig Iginla was one of the best players on the ice last night and contributed quite a few high-danger chances for himself and his linemates.
F, Liam Greentree | Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Despite playing on a struggling Windsor Spitfires team, Liam Greentree has emerged as one of the best wingers in this year’s draft class. The 6’2” right-winger scored a beautiful goal for the game’s opening tally, as he opened up into space off the rush and buried the opportunity. The Spitfires forward has strong offensive awareness, making him a threat whenever he’s on the ice.
F, Beckett Sennecke | Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Beckett Sennecke is another one of my favorite draft eligibles in this year’s class. Although Beckett might not have the offensive accolades as some of the other prospects, Sennecke is so good down low in the offensive-zone and in tight around the goal. The 6’2” forward has some shiftiness in his game, along with a quick release and strong puck-handling ability. The Oshawa Generals forward has a lot of tools that should translate well to the next level.
C, Luke Misa | Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
Luke Misa, the brother of the potential 2025 NHL Entry-Draft first overall pick Michael Misa, has had a really strong season with Mississauga this year. Although he was also held pointless in this event, from the second period onward, Luke Misa really started to find his game. The speed and tenacity Luke plays with are pivotal to his game, but his quick and accurate release, along with his offensive vision, allows him to be a dual threat when attacking. I’m excited to see how Luke Misa does the rest of the way with the Mississauga Steelheads, as I expect him to challenge for a potential 1st-Round grade.
D, Carter Yakemchuk | Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Carter Yakemchuk is a prospect I’m expecting to go quite high in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. As no surprise, given that Carter Yakemchuk was ranked as the sixth overall North American prospect according to Central Scouting. Although Team White was held to only a goal, Carter Yakemchuk made a couple of nice plays in the offensive zone, showcasing his elite offensive potential. The 6’3” right-handed defenseman has quite the offensive skill set as his strong release pairs up really well with his passing ability. Carter Yakemchuk has the skills to quarterback a power play at the next level using his dual-threat ability and strong offensive awareness.
Although there’s still plenty of hockey left on the schedule, last night’s event was one of the most important for the scouting community. It’ll be exciting to see how these draft-eligible prospects finish out the 2023-24 season, and even some of the names not included in this list. A strong example is Berkly Catton, who I personally expected more from in this game but am still extremely high on.
The 2024 NHL Entry-Draft is shaping up to have a really strong crop of draft eligibles, and a wide variety of skill sets. However, it’s tough to forecast anything that far in advance with the second half just getting underway, I’m excited for what’s to come and the future of hockey.
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