Forward AJ Jenks was selected to play in the 2008 Home Hardware CHL-NHL Top Prospects Game at the Rexall Place in Edmonton on January 22-23, 2008. The game showcases the top 40 NHL Draft eligible players from the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League.

The two-day event features the annual Top Prospects Game, as well as a thrilling skills competition where players can show-off their individual abilities for fans and scouts alike. The rosters for the game are selected by the 30 NHL general managers as well as the NHL’s Central Scouting department.

January 9th, 2008...

“After practice today, general manager Mike Vellucci came down and told me that I was selected for the Top Prospects Game and handed me some information on it. I felt great. It was a goal of mine ever since I found out about the Prospects Game and it was an honor to be selected.”

January 21st, 2008...

"I didn’t know anybody when I first got there. I just knew of different guys from around the league and made friends pretty quick with small talk on the ice. I roomed with Steven Stamkos from Sarnia. The first day we had to do testing like fitness strength and jumping. Then we did skating testing like transitions, crossovers, and sprints. I did a couple small interviews with a U.S. radio station as well.

January 22nd, 2008...

“The skills competition was fun. I was most impressed with a Finnish guy from Saskatoon in the WHL named Jyri Niemi. He won the hardest shot with 97 miles per hour. I surprised myself since I don’t usually take slapshots. I wasn’t expecting to break 90 miles per hour (Jenks finished in second place with a shot of 94 miles per hour).”

January 23rd, 2008...

"Surprisingly the atmosphere was pretty loose. The guys were just having a good time, but at the same time, guys were competing pretty hard. I thought I played well. I tried to keep it simple and play my game and not try to do too much.

“I wouldn’t say this game was different because it is like any other game this year. I want to showcase myself every game since it is my draft year. I try to play well every game no matter what the situation and who is watching.

“I thought there was a lot of good talent there, but I competed well with everyone there. Best thing about the whole experience was probably just meeting all the guys that were there that I probably wouldn’t meet otherwise. It’s a great group of talent that is my age and I was able to see how I played with and against them.”

-Natalie Shaver, February 5, 2008