Top NHL prospects play in Penticton for Young Stars Classic

Some of the NHL’s top prospects are in the south Okanagan for the sixth Young Stars Classic.

Penticton is once again hosting the tournament and about 25,000 people are expected to take in the action at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

WATCH BELOW: Connor McDavid brings fans to Young Stars tournament in Penticton

The Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks have sent their hottest prospects.

Including Jordan Subban, who was drafted by the Canucks, and is working to step out of P.K. Subban’s shadow. P.K., a star NHL’er who is Jordan’s big brother.

“It’s nice to start to carve my own path,” Jordan said.

“This is my fourth tournament here. It’s a great opportunity for me to certainly show that I’m eligible and capable of playing in the NHL this year.”

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As the players take to the ice for the three-day tournament, their ice time is attracting fans from all over.

“We just came up to watch the young guys play and you know, our favourite team is the Edmonton Oilers so it gives us a chance to come see some of those guys that we wouldn’t get a chance to see otherwise,” said Dan Matheson, who traveled from Seattle for the tournament.

Some of the six games have already sold out.

WATCH BELOW: Calgary Flames prospects open training camp, prepare for Young Stars Classic

1:44 Calgary Flames prospects open training camp, prepare for Young Stars Classic

Seeing the young stars play is also inspiring young athletes like Dan’s son, Blake Matheson.

“It makes me feel like I can one day maybe play in this tournament and be among these players.”

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To determine if they’re ready to play in the NHL this season, Canucks minor league head coach Travis Green says players will be evaluated for their performance on and off the ice.

“We watch their game… the little things they do away from the puck… It’s easy to watch a guy if he makes a real nice play the whole arena sees,” Green said.

The competition is stiff and the caliber of play is high.

“This is probably the first year that each Canadian team had a first-round draft pick that are all in the same year,” Penticton mayor and event chair Andrew Jakubeit said.

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Of the players who’ve shown their skills at the young stars classic in Penticton over the last six years, 75 have made it to the NHL.

Organizers are looking forward to making that opportunity real for many more.

Click here to view the tournament game schedule and for ticket information.