Wednesday, January 25, 2012

East Wins USHL Top Prospects Game

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The USHL’s first Top Prospects Game, featuring more than 40 future college stars, came down to two third-period goals, as Team East defeated Team West, 5-3, at L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon, Mich., Tuesday night.

Two Indiana Ice teammates starred for Team East, as Boston University commit Robbie Baillargeon scored twice and Northeastern recruit Jon Gillies stopped 19 of 20 shots in relief to earn the win.

The game, which is the first of its kind for the USHL, showcased many of the top USHL players eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. A total of 30 players selected are in their first year of eligibility for the NHL Entry Draft. Seven of the players are draft-eligible for the second time this year. In addition, the USHL showcased three players who are eligible to be drafted by NHL teams in 2013.

Baillargeon was the game’s only two-goal scorer, but four other players had multiple-point efforts: Austin Farley (Minnesota Duluth), Luke Johnson (North Dakota), A.J. Michaelson (Minnesota) and Nicholas Schilkey (Ohio State).

The game was tied, 3-3, entering the third period before goals from Jeff Kubiak (uncommitted) and Alex Kile (Michigan) lifted Team East to the win. East held a 38-22 shot advantage.