By Jesse Michael

For one coach it marks his return to junior hockey, and for another it’s his first shot at being behind the bench after an illustrious NHL career.

2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Team Orr coach Pat Quinn and Team Cherry coach Mark Recchi have taken very different paths to reach this point in their hockey careers.

For Quinn, it’s been a career filled with ups-and-downs in his years of playing and coaching at the NHL level.  Never winning a Stanley Cup, Quinn’s most prized victories as a coach were the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, the 2004 World Cup, and the 2008 IIHF World U18, and 2009 World Junior Championship.

His latest coaching stint was with the Edmonton Oilers in the 2009-2010 season, but was removed from the position after only one year. Now holding a Senior Advisor role with the club, Quinn says he’s happy to be back where he feels most comfortable.

“It kind of refreshes the memories I had with the under 18’s and under 20’s that I went to Russia with and then Ottawa,” Quinn said in a press conference on Tuesday.  “Canadian kids are terrific and I really enjoyed that time then and I’m looking forward to this time now.”

On the flip-side, Recchi is less than a year removed from his days in the NHL, where he played over 1,600 career games, while amassing 577 goals and 1,533 points.  The three-time Stanley Cup champion, most recently with the 2010-11 Boston Bruins, also said he’s looking forward to the opportunity.

“I’m a fan of junior hockey and a part owner, and really believe in the CHL,” Recchi said, referring to his hometown team of which he is involved with, the Kamloops Blazers.  “It’s a fun time for me to go and watch these kids and be behind the bench.”

With such great talent in the line-up, it’s no wonder that both are excited to be involved with the game.  Even with a few highly ranked players not able to participate, there is still a plethora of quality participants looking to catch a few eyes in the stands.

“When you look at the depth of our draft, it has always been the strength of the CHL,” Commissioner of the WHL and CHL Vice-President Ron Robison said. “We represent over 50% of the NHL draft and have been very dominant in recent years from a CHL standpoint.  The reality is it opens the door to some players to really make an impression.”

And with a draft pool as close in comparison as any of the years before, it’s going to be extremely important for the players to try and standout as it could put them ahead of their counterparts.

“It’s a great opportunity for these kids to showcase what they can bring to the table,” Recchi said.  “It can elevate them to a higher pick, and they can go out there and show that against the best they are the best.”

And while some players may get caught up in the glitz and the glamour of being in the national spotlight, Quinn believes it’s necessary, although maybe difficult, for them to stay focused.

“They’re at such an exciting stage in their lives...it’s becoming a way of life,” he said.  “This game is important as it’s an attempt to help improve their development moving forward.”

Recchi said he won’t be hesitant however to give his input if he sees something in a player’s game that he might be able to suggest improvements on.

“I’ve been around the game a long time,” he said.  “We’ll go over certain things if I see something.  They have all the tools, it’s just helping them recognize it and lead them in the right direction.”

Even though it’s a quick two-day event, both said that they would pass on the best advice possible.

“I would say to really embrace the few days that they’re there together and the opportunity they have,” said Recchi.  “It’s a big stage and don’t let it catch you.  If you don’t embrace it then you might not bring your best.”

Quinn summed up his advice in one sentence.

“What they’re interested in is finding a good player, so be the player you are.”

Quinn will be joined behind the bench by Associate Coach Don Hay of the Vancouver Giants, while Recchi will be joined by Associate Coach Ryan Huska of the Kelowna Rockets.

The 2012 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game can be seen live across the country on Sportsnet and TVA Sports at 7:00 pm Pacific on February 1.