Firkus, Wright named top players at CHL Top Prospects Game

Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs and Jagger Firkus of the Moose Jaw Warriors were each named players of the game at the 2022 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on Wednesday. 

Firkus, No. 36 in FCHockey’s Midterm ranking for the 2022 NHL Draft, had a goal and an assist, and was plus-2 to lead Team White to a 3-1 victory.

“It’s obviously a great experience coming here,” Firkus said. “I just wanted to come here and show what I can do and I think I did that tonight. It was a good game and it was even better to get the win.

“That’s what I wanted to come here to do, show I can play and I think I did a good job of that tonight so I’m happy.”

Firkus has 75 points (33 goals, 42 assists) in 60 games in the Western Hockey League this season.

Wright, the consensus No. 1 pick for the 2022 draft, had a goal for Team Red in the loss. 

Wright has 77 points (25 goals, 52 assists) in 52 Ontario Hockey League games this season.

“Anytime you get to play with and against the best players, it is always something you are going to have a lot of fun playing in and a great experience overall,” Wright told reporters postgame. “It wasn’t the result we wanted but it was a great experience and I learned a lot. It’s been a great week and it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life.

“My mindset was that it was just another hockey game and to soak it all in. There are always going to be scouts at games and people watching, so I didn’t approach it any differently.”

Jake Karabela also had a goal and an assist, and Nathan Gaucher scored for Team White. Mason Beaupit made 16 saves on 16 shots in 30:13 of ice time. 

Danny Zhilkin and Matthew Seminoff each had an assist, and Reid Dyck made 23 saves on 23 shots in 29:56 of action for Team Red.