Otters' Dane Fox Added to 2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets Hockey Club and Home Hardware Stores Limited today announced that three players have been added to rosters for the 2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game to be played February 1 at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC.

 Dalton Thrower of the Saskatoon Blades has been added to the Team Orr roster while Dane Fox of the Erie Otters and Dillon Fournier of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies will compete for Team Cherry.  The three players replace Olli Maatta of the London Knights, along with Charles Hudon of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, and Cody Ceci of the Ottawa 67’s who are unable to participate due to injury.

 Thrower, is an 18-year-old defenceman from North Vancouver, BC, playing in his third WHL season with the Blades.  Ranked 30^th among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting in their midterm rankings, Thrower, at 6’0’’ and 185lbs, is fifth among WHL defencemen in scoring with 40 points in 50 games so far this season.

 Fox, an 18-year-old from Thamesville, ON, is playing in his third OHL season.  The 6’0’’ 185lb forward is ranked 48^th among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting and has 42 points in 43 games so far this season.

 Fournier, a 17-year-old from Dorval, QC, is playing in his second QMJHL season.  The 6’1’’ 160lb defenceman has 29 points in 39 games this season and is ranked 138 by NHL Central Scouting. 

 The 2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is supported by title sponsor Home Hardware for the 13^th straight year with associate sponsors Bank of Montreal, Subway, and CCM. 

 The game will be broadcast live to a national audience on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Quebec beginning at 7:00 pm Pacific and available online through Sportsnet 590 The FAN.

 The 2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will mark the 17^th annual showcase of the CHL’s top-40 NHL draft eligible players.  The two-day event also features a skills competition and three-on-three challenge taking place on Tuesday January 31, 2012.  Ticket packages are still available for the two-day event and can be purchased at http://www.selectyourtickets.com/prospects.php or by calling 250-762-5050.