NEWS RELEASE
NORTH CENTRAL PREDATORS
*************************
The North Central Ontario Hockey Association Predators are excited to be hosting the OMHA ETA U-16 AAA Showcase Feb. 11-12 at the Rotary Place in Orillia!
At the Showcase the highest level of OMHA U-16 (minor midget) hockey players eligible for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection will be taking part and showing off their skills.
The 'next ones' such as Steven Stamkos, Quentin Byfield, Matt Duchene, Corey Perry, Cody Hodgson, Alex Newhook, Connor McMichael and our very own Canadian National Junior team member Aidan Dudas all participated in the ETA Showcase over the years. Who will be the 'next ones' this year?
"The ETA has consistently developed bonafide prospects for the OHL year in and year out. This kind of setting with all the teams in the league playing in one place allows scouts the opportunity to see all the draft eligible kids compete against one another in league play....when points really matter." states Bill Schlitt, President of the ETA.
"The North Central Predators organization will host our 'Showcase' for the 3rd time in 8 years and they consistently do a terrific job. The facility in Orillia is the perfect setting for such a prestigious event....we look forward to tremendous competition, great fan support and showcasing the best U-16 players in the province," said Schlitt.
"We would like to thank the city of Orillia, Orillia Minor Hockey and the Orillia Figure Skating Club for supporting our ETA Showcase," states Predators President Roger Crandell.
"The city of Orillia will play host to some of the best players in the province, entertain GMs from several OHL clubs and we really hope the local community will come out and witness the 'next ones' who someday will play in the NHL. Admission to the games will be free for all who decide to join us," said Crandell.
"Our Predators U-16 club will play the Ajax Pickering Raiders on the blue pad Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and will then play the Whitby Wildcats Sunday morning at 10 a.m., also on the blue pad at West Orillia," says Rich Foshay, the vice preisdent of hockey operations for the Predators.
"Our Preds' club currently has a record of 16-16-1 in league play with the four points up for grabs during the Showcase extremely important for playoff positioning," explains Foshay. "Our boys have a very good club and have circled this weekend on the calendar for months now. It should be an exciting weekend for them and their families."
ETA Showcase Schedule:
Saturday, Feb. 11
9:30 am - Peterborough Petes vs. Barrie Jr. Colts (Green Pad)
10:00 am - North Central Predators vs. Ajax Pickering Raiders (Blue Pad)
12:00 pm - Whitby Wildcats vs. York-Simcoe Express (Green Pad)
12:30 pm - Kingston Jr. Gaels vs. Clarington Toros (Blue Pad)
2:30 pm - Quinte Red Devils vs. Oshawa Generals (Green Pad)
3:00 pm - Markham Waxers vs. Central Ontario Wolves (Blue Pad)
Sunday, Feb. 12
9:30 am - Clarington Toros vs. Markham Waxers (Green Pad)
10:00 am - North Central Predators vs. Whitby Wildcats (Blue Pad)
12:00 pm - Barrie Jr. Colts vs. Ajax Pickering Raiders (Green Pad)
12:30 pm - Central Ontario Wolves vs. Peterborough Petes (Blue Pad)
2:30 pm - Richmond Hill Coyotes vs. Kingston Jr. Gaels (Green Pad)
3:00 pm - York Simcoe Express vs. Quinte Red Devils (Blue Pad)
* Admission is free
*************************
