MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), in partnership with the City of Quinte West and the Trenton Golden Hawks, have announced that the 2017 Eastern Canada Cup All-Star Challenge will be hosted at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens in Trenton, Ont., Nov. 13-15.
The Eastern Canada Cup All-Star Challenge is one of the premier Jr. A hockey events in the country and provides tremendous exposure for the top prospects of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Quebec Junior Hockey League (QJHL) and the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) to play in front of scouts from all over the hockey world – including the NHL, NCAA, CHL and Canadian universities and colleges.
Additionally, it also serves as a player identification event for the coaching staff for Team Canada East in player selection for the yearly training camp and subsequent entry in to the World Junior A Challenge.
“On behalf of the five CJHL leagues I want to express our appreciation to the City of Quinte West for their support of the Eastern Canada Cup All-Star Challenge,” stated OJHL commissioner Marty Savoy.
“The Eastern Canada Cup All-Star Challenge is one of the largest showcase events in all of junior hockey and to be able to partner with a community like Quinte West allows for the opportunity for all of us to deliver a great experience for not only the close to 200 elite Junior hockey players but also the great fans in this area of Ontario,” added Savoy.
The ECCASC will feature 10 all-star teams from within the five eastern Jr. A leagues that will compete in a tournament format.
“We at the NOJHL are very honoured to once again be part of this prestigious event,” offered league commissioner Robert Mazzuca.
“The chance for our players and staff to showcase themselves in front of a multitude of scouts over the three-day event is a tremendous opportunity to aid them in their quest to advance to the next level,” added Mazzuca.
The Eastern Canada Cup All-Star Challenge will consist of four teams from the OJHL, two squads from both the CCHL and QJHL respectively along with one side apiece from the MHL and NOJHL.
A total of 27 games will be played to determine the champion with each team playing a modified two-period contest format in a round robin, quarter-final, semifinal and championship game.
Teams will be awarded three points for a win in regulation time, two points for an overtime triumph and one point for an overtime or shootout loss.
”The City of Quinte West is pleased to be partnering with the OJHL on this prestigious event offering youth the tremendous opportunity to showcase their talent and gain valuable industry exposure,” said Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison.
“In the process, it will provide excellent hockey action for our residents and visitors. We are very excited to be a player in this annual event, summarized Harrison.”
Game and ticket information for the 2017 Eastern Canada Cup All-Star Challenge will be announced in the coming weeks along with other event details such as sponsors, rosters and coaching staff announcements.
ABOUT THE VENUE
The Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens is the home of the Trenton Golden Hawks of the OJHL and has played host to the 2017 Winter Showcase as well as the 2017 Dudley-Hewitt Cup.
ABOUT QUINTE WEST
The City of Quinte West is situated on the shores of the Bay of Quinte. Located directly along the Highway 401 corridor between Toronto and Ottawa, over 43,000 people make Quinte West their home. Quinte West’s natural setting, with its pleasant mix of both urban and rural landscapes; access to the water, trails and recreational activities; and plenty of special events and attractions, make Quinte West the ideal place to live, work or visit.
NOJHL NOTE: The coaching and management staff of Team NOJHL will be announced in the coming days while the roster will be finalized and released by early November.
