Orr, Cherry to coach at CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

Hockey Hall of Fame member Bobby Orr and longtime NHL broadcaster Don Cherry will return as coaches for the 2015 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 22, 2015 in St. Catharines, Ontario.

The 20th edition of the game, which will feature 40 of the top prospects for the 2015 NHL Draft playing in the Canadian Hockey League, will be played at the Meridian Centre, the new home of the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League.

"When this event began in 1996 it was the support of Don Cherry and Bobby Orr that helped build this showcase of top draft-eligible CHL players into a prestigious annual event," CHL president David Branch said. "The CHL is honored that Don and Bobby will participate behind the bench in the 2015 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in what will truly be a special experience for the 40 players competing on the ice, and for hockey fans in St. Catharines and across the CHL."

It will be the 12th time the hockey legends will be involved in the game, but the first time together since 2010; Cherry took part in the game three times without Orr.

"We are extremely excited to be bringing the BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects game to St. Catharines and the Niagara region," IceDogs governor Bill Burke said. "This is a rare opportunity and we are excited to offer our fans a chance to come check out 40 of the CHL's top draft-eligible players at our brand new facility."

Rosters for the game will be announced at a later date. NHL Central Scouting selects players from the OHL, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Western Hockey League, in consultation with the 30 NHL teams.

Since the first game in 1996, 12 players who have taken part in the game have been the first pick of the NHL draft, including Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad, the first pick of the 2014 draft.

Follow Adam Kimelman on Twitter: @NHLAdamK