Blizzard hockey: Alexandria sends five to Top Prospects tournament

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The Alexandria Blizzard will be well represented when some of the top players in the North American Hockey League take part in the Top Prospects Tournament February 20-22 at the Troy Sports Center in Troy, Michigan.

The Blizzard’s Vadim Gyesbreghs (D), Charlie Aus (D), Tucker Coborn (F) and Nick D’Avolio (F) were all named to the Central Division squad when rosters were announced earlier this week. Forward Gage Torrel also made the tournament after being chosen for the NAHL 18U Selects roster.

“You’re probably talking two of our better defensemen and two of our better forwards, who right now are leading our team in points,” head coach Doc DelCastillo said. “They’re definitely deserving of going and getting this opportunity…As a coach, you’re disappointed because I feel I have another handful of guys that could have went and done real well there, but it’s good for the guys that are recognized and are going.”

D’Avolio leads Alexandria in points with 32 on 14 goals and 18 assists. Coborn is third on the team with 10 goals and 18 assists, while Torrel has 19 points in 32 games played for the Blizzard. Gyesbreghs and Aus both help anchor the Alexandria blue line and have combined for 28 points on the season.

DelCastillo will also be serving as an assistant coach at the game after his team ended the first half of play in second place in the Central Division.

Each of the six teams will play three games. It’s a chance for many of these players to show what they can do in front of a number of college coaches at the event.

“I think there’s going to be scouts,” DelCastillo said. “It’s as good of an opportunity as they want to make it. Colleges don’t just go there with the idea of giving out scholarships. They go there with their eyes open. Who’s going to jump off the page to me?”

Tags: alexandria sports, sports, blizzard, hockey, nahl, top, prospects