23-06-2025
Andrews International Hockey Showcase attracts world-class talent to P.E.I.
It's not often Prince Edward Islanders have the opportunity to watch world-class hockey, let alone in June.
Article content
However, that was the case last week at the 31st Andrews International Hockey Showcase, hosted by Andrews Hockey Growth Programs, at UPEI in Charlottetown.
Article content
Article content
Article content
The players practised, played games, participated in player panels featuring a variety of speakers – scouts, players, coaches and administrators at different levels – and had the opportunities to check out schools and programs in attendance.
Article content
Article content
Article content
'It wasn't easy to bring together this many people and this many people to watch them,' said Andrews. 'We're pretty proud and grateful for the presence from the NHL, NCAA, CHL.
Article content
'There's an incredible lineup of not only coaches, scouts and players, but, overall, it's an incredible combination. We feel there are going to be a lot of opportunities to come out of this.'
Article content
NHL Central Scouting endorsed the event and promoted it. There were 17 NHL teams represented in Charlottetown last week.
Article content
The event has come a long way since Andrews' father and founder of Andrews Hockey Growth Programs, the late Allan Andrews, started the showcase in Slemon Park, P.E.I. Josh recalled the first event featured only 10 to 15 players.
Article content
Article content
'It was a dream of his to do this 30 years ago,' said Josh. 'You end up getting started very, very small, but it was started. He really wanted to get players opportunities.'
Article content
Article content
'It's wanting to bring a level of excellence that has always been here, but to take the quality of the players and the quality of the coaches that we bring in to another level,' said Harris. 'We think it's important local and Atlantic Canadian kids see the pool of hockey is quite significant.'
