CALGARY, Alberta – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) will be well represented in the 2014-2015 NHL season with 146 alumni on team rosters for opening day. Every CJHL member league had alumni representation on NHL opening day rosters.
With four NHL games last night, it didn't take long for CJHL alumni to leave their mark on the new season.
In Los Angeles, five alumni, including Conn Smythe Trophy winner Justin Williams (OJHL) and head coach Darryl Sutter (AJHL), enjoyed raising the 2014 Stanley Cup banner in a special pre-game ceremony. However, San Jose went on to shutout the home team 4 – 0, with former alumni Brent Burns (OJHL) earning two assists in the win.
In the marquee game of opening night, two CJHL alumni picked up points for Toronto in their 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Tyler Bozak (BCHL) had a goal and Brandon Kozun (AJHL) picked up an assist in a losing cause, as their strong play was not enough to beat former BCHL goalie Carey Price, who picked up his first win of the season.
In Boston, CJHL alumni were very prominent in the outcome of this game as Boston beat Philadelphia 2-1. Both of Boston’s goals including the game winner were scored CJHL alumni Reilly Smith (OJHL) and Chris Kelly (OJHL). Former alumni Matt Read (OJHL) picked up an assist for the Flyers in a losing cause.
In the other all Canadian matchup – Vancouver at Calgary – CJHL alumni Willie Desjardins (SJHL) picked up his first win as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks in a 4-2 victor, while Chris Tanev (OJHL) picked up one assist. For Calgary, Joe Colborne (AJHL) and Mark Giordano (OJHL) each picked up an assist in a losing cause.
