Ashton Invited to CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes are very proud to congratulate standout forward Carter Ashton on his invitation to the 2009 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Oshawa, Ontario. The event will showcase 40 of the top CHL players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft beginning with a thrilling skills competition on Tuesday January 13, 2009, with the game taking place Wednesday January 14, 2009.
The rosters, which are selected by the 30 NHL General Managers and NHL Central Scouting, include a total of 15 WHL prospects.

Ashton, a 91-born forward and the Hurricanes 1st round pick (7th overall) in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft was ranked 6th among WHL skaters in the NHL Central Scouting Service’s Western Hockey League Fall Preliminary rankings. Ashton has had a breakout 2008-2009 season after an injury shortened 07-08 season held him to nine points (5G, 4A) in 40 WHL games. Thus far in 08-09, Ashton has a team leading 20 goals in 36 games for a total of 32 points (20G, 12A) and a plus minus rating of plus-18. Ashton also leads the Canes with four power play goals and five game winners in 08-09.

Last season, the Hurricanes had a pair of invitees to the 2008 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Edmonton; with Zach Boychuk and Luca Sbisa taking part. Boychuk placed second in the Fastest Skater competition and was named the Team White Player of the Game. Both Boychuk (Carolina – 14th overall) and Sbisa (Philadelphia – 19th overall) were then picked in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft – It was the first time in club history that two Hurricanes were selected in the first round with Boychuk tying Brent Seabrook (14th in 2003) as the highest drafted Hurricanes player of all time. Both have now signed NHL entry level contracts with Boychuk returning to Lethbridge and Sbisa continuing to play a top four role in Philadelphia.