Despite a tough month in Belleville for Brendan Gaunce and Daniil Zharkov, the two 17 year-old NHL draft prospects are excited about their opportunity to suit up in Kelowna, British Columbia next Wednesday, February 1st. The Home Hardware CHL Top Prospects Game pits 40 of the Canadian Hockey League's best young players against one another as guest coaches Mark Recchi (Team Cherry) and Pat Quinn (Team Orr) man the benches.

The prospects will take part in a skills competition on Tuesday night followed by Home Hardware Top Prospects game on Wednesday when Zharkov and Gaunce both represent Team Cherry.

Unfortunately top North American draft eligible goaltender Malcolm Subban won't be participating in the game after being named to the roster of Team Orr a month ago. Subban has been sidelined since December 29th with a groin injury and is looking at a potential return either next weekend on the Bulls' trip to Kitchener and Owen Sound or the following Friday when they visit the Kingston Frontenacs. Stepping in to replace Subban is netminder Chris Driedger of the WHL's Calgary Hitmen.

Gaunce will wear an 'A' on Team Cherry along with Czech forward Martin Frk of the Halifax Mooseheads. Everett Silvertips defenceman and Canadian National Junior Team representative Ryan Murray has been named captain.

Wearing the 'C' on Team Orr is Kelowna Rockets forward Colton Sissons. He's accompanied by Quebec Remparts forward Mikhail Grigorenko along with Tanner Pearson of the Barrie Colts as alternates.

The game will feature eight of the top eleven skates on the NHL Central Scouting Bureau's midterm rankings. Sarnia's Nail Yakupov won't be attending, making Grigorenko the top draft eligible skater involved.

Gaunce and Zharkov will depart on Sunday after the Bulls' game at home to the Sarnia Sting on Saturday night at 7:05pm. For ticket information, contact the Bulls Box Office at 613-966-8338 or purchase your tickets online here.