Smith, Veleno named Prospects Game captains

Ty Smith and Joe Veleno will be front and center at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Smith, of the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League, and Veleno, of the Drummondville Voltigeurs, has each been named captains at the annual NHL Draft showcase.

The 2018 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will be on Thursday, January 25 and is hosted by the Guelph Storm.

Smith will lead Team Orr alongside alternate captains Jared McIsaac of the Halifax Mooseheads and Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. The 17-year-old Smith has six goals and 43 points in 44 games with Spokane this season.

“It’s an honour to be selected to be the captain of Team Orr,” Smith said in a release. “I’ve watched the Top Prospects Game on TV for years now and have watched friends and teammates participate. It was a goal of mine at the beginning of the season to make the roster and to be named captain makes it all that much more special. I’m looking forward to competing against and with many of my buddies from across the CHL as well as meeting some new players.”

Veleno will lead Team Cherry with alternates Evan Bouchard of the London Knights, and Ryan Merkley of the Storm. Veleno has six goals and 41 points in 39 games this season split between the Saint John Sea Dogs and Voltigeurs.

“Just to be there with all the other prospects means a lot to me and, to be captain, is something very special for myself,” Veleno said. “I think it’s a very special event for players like us who will probably end up getting drafted this summer. It’ll be fun, I’m super excited and proud to be named captain.”

To view full rosters for the 2018 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, please click HERE.