Many of the top players eligible for next year's Ontario Hockey League draft will be in Windsor this weekend.
The 6th annual "Battle of the Border" opens Friday afternoon at the WFCU Centre.
The showcase features a minor midget under-15 category along with a bantam under-14 division.
24 teams will compete in a series of 36 games over three days.
Windsor Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler says top American and Canadians players will be on the ice.
"Draft eligible players and then bantam aged players here at the WFCU. It's a really good event showcasing six of the top American and Ontario teams competing against each other," says Bowler.
He says each OHL team will have their scouts at the showcase to watch the players.
"A lot of good prospects and again a really good showcase for the Ontario Hockey League. There are a couple of different seminars for information purposes for all of the players and their families. A great weekend here in Windsor and a lot of good hockey is going to play down here at the WFCU," says Bowler.
He says it's a great opportunity for his organization.
"It's a great chance for the Windsor Spitfires to showcase our building, our facilities. All of the players will be invited to the game Saturday night. It's just a really good opportunity and easy access for us to watch these players," says Bowler.
Five players from last year's event were chosen in the opening two rounds of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.
Players and families will also be provided information in a seminar on the OHL's scholarship and professional support programs, along with development opportunities, benefits, player enviroment and safety, health and welfare programs.
The Windsor Junior Spitfires and the Sun County Panthers are two of the 24 teams participating.
Games begin Friday afternoon at 3pm in the main bowl and community rinks at the WFCU Centre.
- with files from AM800's Rob Hindi