HALIFAX - Alexis McLellan couldn’t match the legendary Steve Yzerman’s excitement for the CHL Top Prospects game at the Metro Centre on Wednesday night.
Dawning her Halifax Mooseheads jersey, the 11-year-old sat rink side as Team Cherry, featuring a trio of Mooseheads standouts, trailed Team Orr 3-0 late in the third period.
“I wish (Nathan) MacKinnon would score then I could cheer and bang on the class,” said the diehard Mooseheads fan.
But MacKinnon, Cherry’s captain, didn’t score, neither did his Mooseheads linemate Jonathan Drouin as Team Orr won the by the 3-0 score before 10,595 fans.
But like Yzerman, McLellan could see the brighter side.
“It was a really good game and a lot of action,” she said.
Yzerman, who was among a few former NHLers on hand along with countless scouts, was watching for his Tampa Bay Lighting squad, which he is the general manager of.
“It’s been a really entertaining game,” said Yzerman. “The kids are playing hard and it’s been a little more physical than I expected, big play and goaltenders. I’m very happy I made the trip out here.”
Though Drouin and MacKinnon didn’t have the offensive nights they wanted, Yzerman could see the bigger picture.
“Nathan and Jonathan are exceptional skaters. Nathan’s stride and power are remarkable. They’re both just special players and will go high in the draft. Fucale is very athletic and quick. Halifax has done a great job drafting them.”
Fan Chris Frey took in the game and was more than happy with what he saw.
“This has been fantastic to see all these talented players on one stage put on a great show,” he said.
Andrew Rankin - Metro Halifax
