Press Release
CALGARY, Alberta (October 11, 2013) –
The Canadian Junior Hockey League, in partnership with Hockey Canada,
is pleased to announce the appointment of the Head Coaches for the 2013
CJHL Prospects Games. Tom
McCarthy of the Espanola Rivermen (NOJHL) will lead Team East and Luke
Pierce of the Merritt Centennials (BCHL) will lead Team West at the 2013
CJHL Prospects Games on November 8th & 9th in Digby and Yarmouth, NS.
“I
am extremely honoured to be given this opportunity to work with Hockey
Canada and the Junior A prospects,” said Merritt Centennials GM / Head
Coach Luke Pierce. “I look forward to being behind the bench with some
of the best young players in our country and helping them to enjoy their
experience at such a prestigious event.”
Luke Pierce was born
and raised in Merritt, British Columbia and has served as GM / Head
Coach of the BCHL’s Merritt Centennials since 2009-2010, when he joined
his hometown team following a five-year CIS career with Royal Military
College. Pierce initially joined the Centennials as an Assistant Coach,
but in November of 2009 was promoted to Head Coach and General Manager.
Pierce,
30, has a lengthy list of accomplishments, both personally and with the
Centennials hockey club. In 2011-2012, Pierce helped guide the
Centennials to the franchises most wins and points since 1979. The
Centennials have made the playoffs every season with Pierce behind the
bench. Pierce is the defending Interior Division Coach of the Year, and
just prior to the conclusion of the past regular season, surpassed the
100-win plateau in the BCHL.
“Naturally, it is an honour to be
selected for this opportunity,” said Espanola Rivermen Head Coach Tom
McCarthy. “It is the dream of everyone in hockey to take part in Hockey
Canada and CJHL events like the CJHL Prospects Games, and I look
forward to serving as the bench boss when these 40 players come
together.”
Tom McCarthy played 460 games in the NHL as a member
of the Minnesota North Stars and Boston Bruins. McCarthy was chosen in
the first round (tenth overall) by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1979
NHL Entry Draft. McCarthy played in the 1983 NHL All-Star Game and
finished his career with 178 goals and 399 points.
McCarthy has
coached the Huntsville Otters and the Trenton Golden Hawks of the OJHL.
In 2011, McCarthy was named Head Coach of the North Bay Trappers
(NOJHL) where he coached for two seasons, leading the team to an NOJHL
championship in 2013. McCarthy is now the Head Coach of the Espanola
Rivermen (NOJHL).
The CJHL Prospects Game was created to
showcase 40 of the top NHL prospects in the CJHL. The CJHL Prospects
Games feature players from the CJHL's five western leagues competing
against players from the CJHL's five eastern leagues. The event includes
a two-game total goal series between Team East and Team West in a
battle for the President's Cup, which is awarded annually to the winning
team.
Rosters for the 2013 CJHL Prospects teams will be
determined following the World Junior A Challenge Selection Camps at the
end of October. Player selection for the annual CJHL Prospects Games
is a joint initiative of the CJHL and NHL Central Scouting.
CJHL
Prospects Game #1 will be played on Friday, November 8th at the Digby
Arena in Digby, NS at 7:00PM. On Saturday, November 9th, Game #2 will
take place at the Mariners Centre in Yarmouth, NS at 4:00PM. Tickets
to the CJHL Prospects Game in Digby, N.S., are on sale at the Digby
Arena and at www.hockeycanada.ca/wjac. Tickets to the CJHL Prospects Game in Yarmouth, N.S., will be on sale at a later date.
(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)
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