The <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/canucks-reveal-projected-line-combinations-young-stars-classic">Young Stars Classic</a>, a long-standing showcase of budding western Canada NHL talent, is set to bring exciting young prospects from the Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers together for a weekend of competitive action.
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With each team fielding the bulk of its best up-and-coming players, the tournament is a great opportunity for fans to catch a glimpse of the future.
We understand that eyes will be geared toward the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/canucks-prospects-2024-young-stars-classic?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter">Vancouver Canucks’</a> talent, but let&#8217;s take a deeper look at who to take note of from the Jets, Flames, and Oilers this year.
<h1>Winnipeg Jets</h1>
After finishing last in last year’s tournament with just two points, the Winnipeg Jets are bringing many of the same youngsters. The big difference is that most of the team’s top names are coming off stellar growth seasons in their respective circuits.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
the YOUNG STARS are ready 💫 <a href="https://t.co/cSsFTVBaXt">pic.twitter.com/cSsFTVBaXt</a>
&mdash; Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLJets/status/1832071357586174228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Players to watch
One of the standout players to watch is Brad Lambert. Despite some concerns about inconsistency dating back to his draft-eligible year, he appears to figure it all out at the pro level. Lambert broke out in his rookie AHL season with the Manitoba Moose last year, leading the team with 55 points. He even notched an assist in his NHL debut, which happened to come against the Canucks.
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Brad Lambert Highlights 2023/24 (Goals and Assists)" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oUZyoddemTM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Joining Lambert is Nikita Chibrikov, who also enjoyed a strong rookie season in Manitoba, racking up 47 points in 70 games. Chibrikov and Lambert&#8217;s dynamic offensive skills should combine for a strong duo, poised to give all three opposing teams headaches throughout the weekend.
Drafted 18th overall in 2021, Chaz Lucius is another exciting prospect for the Jets. The big issue Lucius has faced is staying healthy, which has limited his games to just 81 regular season matches across various leagues since the 2020-21 season. Yet, his talent is undeniable, and at just 21 years old, he still has plenty of time to develop into the player the Jets hoped for when they drafted him.
Newcomer Brayden Yager, acquired via a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, brings another layer of offensive depth. Known for his sharpshooting, Yager has amassed an impressive 104 goals and 250 points in the WHL, and his addition adds a dynamic element to the Jets’ lineup this year.
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="NHL Prospects : Brayden Yager - 23-24 Highlights" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ylCe97jhZSY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Finally, Colby Barlow brings a potent mix of physical and skilled hockey. A standout from the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL, Barlow will attend his second Young Stars event. He has been a consistent producer throughout his three-year junior career and will look to make one last strong impression before heading back to Juniors for one last campaign.
<blockquote>Ties to the province</blockquote>
The Jets&#8217; roster also includes a strong representation of British Columbia talent, with several players having ties to the province. Most notable is undrafted New Westminster native Thomas Milic, who made a name for himself at the 2023 World Juniors by backstopping Canada to a Gold Medal with a perfect 5-0-0 record.
Langley’s Graham Sward is coming off an explosive overaged WHL season, with 81 points from the Wenatchee backend. After having rights relinquished by the Colorado Avalanche, he’ll be out with something to prove as he aims to find an NHL contract.
Folks may also recognize Ben King, a Vernon, BC native best known in the area for his incredible 105-point year alongside Arshdeep Bains back in 2021-22. Recently signed to an AHL deal with the Manitoba Moose, he’ll look to build off a promising 30-point rookie campaign with the San Diego Gulls.
If you are a Kamloops Blazer or Vancouver Giant fan, you may recognize the name, Connor Levis. The Vancouver native enjoyed a four-year WHL career, split between the Blazers and Giants. The Jets selected him in the seventh round of the 2023 draft.
Finally, there will be a representative from Smithers, BC, as Carson Golder will participate in another Young Stars as an undrafted winger. The 21-year-old has played on several BC teams across various leagues, including the Victoria Royals (WHL), Kelowna Rockets (WHL), Vernon Vipers (BCHL), Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL), and Campbell River Storm (VIJHL).
<h1>Calgary Flames</h1>
The Calgary Flames, who lost only to the Canucks in last year&#8217;s event, have bolstered their roster with some intriguing new additions, particularly on defence. Among the fresh faces are two top-scoring defenders from the OHL, one of whom will be very familiar to Canucks Nation.
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ICYMI: The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flames</a> announced their roster for the 2024 Young Stars Classic and it&#39;s STACKED <a href="https://t.co/KWDIXN1Upy">pic.twitter.com/KWDIXN1Upy</a>
&mdash; The Win Column (@wincolumnCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/wincolumnCGY/status/1834304571323089371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote>Players to watch</blockquote>
One of the key players for the Flames that most Canuck fans will recognize is Hunter Brzustewicz, who was acquired in the trade that sent Elias Lindholm to Vancouver. Brzustewicz had an outstanding season in the OHL, posting 92 points in just 67 games, and is now set to join the Calgary Wranglers for the upcoming season. Canucks fans should get used to seeing his name, as he will be a regular opponent for the Abbotsford Canucks.
Joni Jurmo, another piece of the Lindholm trade, will also play for the Wranglers. While once highly regarded as a mid-ranged Canucks prospect, Jurmo has struggled to find consistency in his game. Nonetheless, he will have ample opportunities to prove himself against his former organization in the upcoming AHL season.
Samuel Honzek is a familiar name, having spent his two-year junior career with the Vancouver Giants. His polished and professional game makes him a strong candidate for NHL minutes in the not-so-distant future. Once again, he’s another name that Abby fans will be used to, as he’s expected to join the Wranglers full-time.
Zayne Parekh, their recent top-10 draft pick, will highlight the Flames&#8217; lineup. Parekh, named the 2023-24 OHL’s Defenceman of the Year after an explosive 96-point season, is known for his dynamic and slippery play. He can take over games, making him a must-watch player in Penticton.
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="2024 NHL Draft : Zayne Parekh - 23-24 Highlights" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s8vFooapYpM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<blockquote>Ties to the province</blockquote>
With Honzek already mentioned, the Flames will carry four additional names with ties to the province.
Hunter Laing, recently taken in the sixth round of the 2024 entry draft, is a Kelowna native and is coming off his rookie season with the Prince George Cougars, where he amassed 25 points in 66 games.
Jaden Lipinski is a three-year WHL veteran with the Vancouver Giants and is coming off his best statistical season, firing at nearly a point per game with 66 points in 67 games. In his first Young Stars event last year, he finished second (tied) in points with a goal of four points.
David Silye, 25, played four seasons in the BCHL before his NCAA career, splitting his time evenly between the Nanaimo Clippers and the Penticton Vees.
Finally, Parker Bell, slated to turn pro with the Wranglers for the upcoming year, is fresh off a 64-point WHL campaign, with 184 points spread across five seasons. Before his time with the Tri-City Americans, he spent a very short stint with the Campbell River Storm (VIJHL) and a full year with the North Island Silvertips U18 AAA of the U18 BC Elite Hockey League.
<h1>Edmonton Oilers</h1>
Much like last year, the Edmonton Oilers will feature a less impressive lineup in the tournament. That’s no surprise, considering the state of their current prospect pipeline. The Oilers struggled in last year’s event, winning just one game and scoring only eight goals, and they will need their top talent to step up if they hope to improve this time around.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
The Oilers have announced their rookie camp roster. Some notable names include Matthew Savoie, Sam O&#39;Reilly, Matvei Petrov, Beau Akey and Max Wanner. <a href="https://t.co/tTJidAXcXA">pic.twitter.com/tTJidAXcXA</a>
&mdash; Oilers Access (@oilersaccess) <a href="https://twitter.com/oilersaccess/status/1833272087735373992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote>Players to watch</blockquote>
Recently acquired from the Buffalo Sabres, Matt Savoie is the Oilers&#8217; standout prospect and will be the team’s primary offensive weapon. Savoie has had an impressive junior career in the WHL, tallying 263 points in 183 games, and will now take on a full-time pro career, starting in Bakersfield. His ability to generate offence will be crucial for the Oilers over the weekend.
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="NHL Prospects : Matthew Savoie - 23-24 Highlights" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IvmEYFqqgZI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
The Oilers’ lineup also features Sam O&#8217;Reilly, the last pick of the first round in the latest draft. O&#8217;Reilly is known more for his two-way play than his scoring ability, but he will be an important part of the Oilers&#8217; effort to find offensive production.
On defence, the Oilers will look to Beau Akey, a skilled offensive defenceman who missed most of last season due to injury. Akey is a smooth skater with the potential to contribute significantly from the blue line. Canucks fans can enjoy his game, as he’ll return to the Barrie Colts to feed newly drafted Riley Patterson for offensive production.
<blockquote>Ties to the province</blockquote>
The Oilers&#8217; roster includes a few players with ties to British Columbia, each of whom is looking to earn their first NHL contract.
Two players from Nanaimo, BC, represent the mid-Vancouver Island. Brayden Boehm and Jesse Heslop, brought in from the WHL, will make their Young Stars debuts. Meanwhile, North Vancouver native Ethan De Jong will return for another year after picking up two assists in last year’s event. Now 25, De Jong split his time between the ECHL and AHL last season within the Oilers’ minor league system and will look to impress and earn himself his first contract as an undrafted winger.
This year marks the 11th edition of the Young Stars Classic, which began in 2010. Here is the tournament schedule:
Friday, September 13 
Game 1: Calgary vs Winnipeg at 4:00 pm PT 
Game 2: Vancouver vs Edmonton at 7:30 pm PT
Saturday, September 14 
Exhibition: Penticton Vees vs Salmon Arm at 3:00 pm PT 
Game 3: Calgary vs Edmonton at 7:30 pm PT
Sunday, September 15 
Game 4: Vancouver vs Winnipeg at 2:00 pm PT
Monday, September 16 
Game 5: Winnipeg vs Edmonton at 11:00 am PT 
Game 6: Calgary vs Vancouver at 2:30 pm PT
We will have all the coverage here at <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/">CanucksArmy.</a>
Sponsored by bet365!
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&nbsp;

The <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/canucks-reveal-projected-line-combinations-young-stars-classic">Young Stars Classic</a>, a long-standing showcase of budding western Canada NHL talent, is set to bring exciting young prospects from the Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers together for a weekend of competitive action.
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
&nbsp;

With each team fielding the bulk of its best up-and-coming players, the tournament is a great opportunity for fans to catch a glimpse of the future.

We understand that eyes will be geared toward the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/canucks-prospects-2024-young-stars-classic?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter">Vancouver Canucks’</a> talent, but let's take a deeper look at who to take note of from the Jets, Flames, and Oilers this year.
<h1>Winnipeg Jets</h1>
After finishing last in last year’s tournament with just two points, the Winnipeg Jets are bringing many of the same youngsters. The big difference is that most of the team’s top names are coming off stellar growth seasons in their respective circuits.

https://twitter.com/NHLJets/status/1832071357586174228

Players to watch

One of the standout players to watch is Brad Lambert. Despite some concerns about inconsistency dating back to his draft-eligible year, he appears to figure it all out at the pro level. Lambert broke out in his rookie AHL season with the Manitoba Moose last year, leading the team with 55 points. He even notched an assist in his NHL debut, which happened to come against the Canucks.

https://youtu.be/oUZyoddemTM?si=_F8tdwbcdiwxK_Yi

Joining Lambert is Nikita Chibrikov, who also enjoyed a strong rookie season in Manitoba, racking up 47 points in 70 games. Chibrikov and Lambert's dynamic offensive skills should combine for a strong duo, poised to give all three opposing teams headaches throughout the weekend.

Drafted 18th overall in 2021, Chaz Lucius is another exciting prospect for the Jets. The big issue Lucius has faced is staying healthy, which has limited his games to just 81 regular season matches across various leagues since the 2020-21 season. Yet, his talent is undeniable, and at just 21 years old, he still has plenty of time to develop into the player the Jets hoped for when they drafted him.

Newcomer Brayden Yager, acquired via a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, brings another layer of offensive depth. Known for his sharpshooting, Yager has amassed an impressive 104 goals and 250 points in the WHL, and his addition adds a dynamic element to the Jets’ lineup this year.

https://youtu.be/ylCe97jhZSY?si=Igi3KE6AWvzlqVTd

Finally, Colby Barlow brings a potent mix of physical and skilled hockey. A standout from the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL, Barlow will attend his second Young Stars event. He has been a consistent producer throughout his three-year junior career and will look to make one last strong impression before heading back to Juniors for one last campaign.
<blockquote>Ties to the province</blockquote>
The Jets' roster also includes a strong representation of British Columbia talent, with several players having ties to the province. Most notable is undrafted New Westminster native Thomas Milic, who made a name for himself at the 2023 World Juniors by backstopping Canada to a Gold Medal with a perfect 5-0-0 record.

Langley’s Graham Sward is coming off an explosive overaged WHL season, with 81 points from the Wenatchee backend. After having rights relinquished by the Colorado Avalanche, he’ll be out with something to prove as he aims to find an NHL contract.

Folks may also recognize Ben King, a Vernon, BC native best known in the area for his incredible 105-point year alongside Arshdeep Bains back in 2021-22. Recently signed to an AHL deal with the Manitoba Moose, he’ll look to build off a promising 30-point rookie campaign with the San Diego Gulls.

If you are a Kamloops Blazer or Vancouver Giant fan, you may recognize the name, Connor Levis. The Vancouver native enjoyed a four-year WHL career, split between the Blazers and Giants. The Jets selected him in the seventh round of the 2023 draft.

Finally, there will be a representative from Smithers, BC, as Carson Golder will participate in another Young Stars as an undrafted winger. The 21-year-old has played on several BC teams across various leagues, including the Victoria Royals (WHL), Kelowna Rockets (WHL), Vernon Vipers (BCHL), Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL), and Campbell River Storm (VIJHL).
<h1>Calgary Flames</h1>
The Calgary Flames, who lost only to the Canucks in last year's event, have bolstered their roster with some intriguing new additions, particularly on defence. Among the fresh faces are two top-scoring defenders from the OHL, one of whom will be very familiar to Canucks Nation.

https://twitter.com/wincolumnCGY/status/1834304571323089371
<blockquote>Players to watch</blockquote>
One of the key players for the Flames that most Canuck fans will recognize is Hunter Brzustewicz, who was acquired in the trade that sent Elias Lindholm to Vancouver. Brzustewicz had an outstanding season in the OHL, posting 92 points in just 67 games, and is now set to join the Calgary Wranglers for the upcoming season. Canucks fans should get used to seeing his name, as he will be a regular opponent for the Abbotsford Canucks.

Joni Jurmo, another piece of the Lindholm trade, will also play for the Wranglers. While once highly regarded as a mid-ranged Canucks prospect, Jurmo has struggled to find consistency in his game. Nonetheless, he will have ample opportunities to prove himself against his former organization in the upcoming AHL season.

Samuel Honzek is a familiar name, having spent his two-year junior career with the Vancouver Giants. His polished and professional game makes him a strong candidate for NHL minutes in the not-so-distant future. Once again, he’s another name that Abby fans will be used to, as he’s expected to join the Wranglers full-time.

Zayne Parekh, their recent top-10 draft pick, will highlight the Flames' lineup. Parekh, named the 2023-24 OHL’s Defenceman of the Year after an explosive 96-point season, is known for his dynamic and slippery play. He can take over games, making him a must-watch player in Penticton.

https://youtu.be/s8vFooapYpM?si=jQHtPhiLX_OacFpL
<blockquote>Ties to the province</blockquote>
With Honzek already mentioned, the Flames will carry four additional names with ties to the province.

Hunter Laing, recently taken in the sixth round of the 2024 entry draft, is a Kelowna native and is coming off his rookie season with the Prince George Cougars, where he amassed 25 points in 66 games.

Jaden Lipinski is a three-year WHL veteran with the Vancouver Giants and is coming off his best statistical season, firing at nearly a point per game with 66 points in 67 games. In his first Young Stars event last year, he finished second (tied) in points with a goal of four points.

David Silye, 25, played four seasons in the BCHL before his NCAA career, splitting his time evenly between the Nanaimo Clippers and the Penticton Vees.

Finally, Parker Bell, slated to turn pro with the Wranglers for the upcoming year, is fresh off a 64-point WHL campaign, with 184 points spread across five seasons. Before his time with the Tri-City Americans, he spent a very short stint with the Campbell River Storm (VIJHL) and a full year with the North Island Silvertips U18 AAA of the U18 BC Elite Hockey League.
<h1>Edmonton Oilers</h1>
Much like last year, the Edmonton Oilers will feature a less impressive lineup in the tournament. That’s no surprise, considering the state of their current prospect pipeline. The Oilers struggled in last year’s event, winning just one game and scoring only eight goals, and they will need their top talent to step up if they hope to improve this time around.

https://twitter.com/oilersaccess/status/1833272087735373992
<blockquote>Players to watch</blockquote>
Recently acquired from the Buffalo Sabres, Matt Savoie is the Oilers' standout prospect and will be the team’s primary offensive weapon. Savoie has had an impressive junior career in the WHL, tallying 263 points in 183 games, and will now take on a full-time pro career, starting in Bakersfield. His ability to generate offence will be crucial for the Oilers over the weekend.

https://youtu.be/IvmEYFqqgZI?si=K0arJbuuKz8cV68Q

The Oilers’ lineup also features Sam O'Reilly, the last pick of the first round in the latest draft. O'Reilly is known more for his two-way play than his scoring ability, but he will be an important part of the Oilers' effort to find offensive production.

On defence, the Oilers will look to Beau Akey, a skilled offensive defenceman who missed most of last season due to injury. Akey is a smooth skater with the potential to contribute significantly from the blue line. Canucks fans can enjoy his game, as he’ll return to the Barrie Colts to feed newly drafted Riley Patterson for offensive production.
<blockquote>Ties to the province</blockquote>
The Oilers' roster includes a few players with ties to British Columbia, each of whom is looking to earn their first NHL contract.

Two players from Nanaimo, BC, represent the mid-Vancouver Island. Brayden Boehm and Jesse Heslop, brought in from the WHL, will make their Young Stars debuts. Meanwhile, North Vancouver native Ethan De Jong will return for another year after picking up two assists in last year’s event. Now 25, De Jong split his time between the ECHL and AHL last season within the Oilers’ minor league system and will look to impress and earn himself his first contract as an undrafted winger.

This year marks the 11th edition of the Young Stars Classic, which began in 2010. Here is the tournament schedule:

Friday, September 13
Game 1: Calgary vs Winnipeg at 4:00 pm PT
Game 2: Vancouver vs Edmonton at 7:30 pm PT

Saturday, September 14
Exhibition: Penticton Vees vs Salmon Arm at 3:00 pm PT
Game 3: Calgary vs Edmonton at 7:30 pm PT

Sunday, September 15
Game 4: Vancouver vs Winnipeg at 2:00 pm PT

Monday, September 16
Game 5: Winnipeg vs Edmonton at 11:00 am PT
Game 6: Calgary vs Vancouver at 2:30 pm PT

We will have all the coverage here at <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/">CanucksArmy.</a>

Sponsored by bet365!
<div class="bam-inline-promotion" data-property-id="329" data-promotion-id="19111" data-context="web-content-promocard"></div>
&nbsp;

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