Muskegon's L.C. Walker Arena will be the site of the first USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

On Jan. 24, the top 40 prospects, most of whom will be eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, will be here for a 7:15 p.m. game.

“Our organization is thrilled to be hosting this event,” Lumberjack owner Josh Mervis said. “Muskegon is the perfect site for the inaugural Top Prospects Game because there's not a more sophisticated hockey fan base in the USHL than here.”

The team will be selected in a cooperative effort between the USHL, NHL Central Scouting the general managers and scouts of the 30 NHL teams.

“Every NHL team will be represented by multiple people,” Lumberjack coach Kevin Patrick said. That group includes scouts and general managers from each of the NHL teams.

Top prospects expected to compete include Zemgus Girgensons from Dubuque, Green Bay's Jordan Schmaltz, Fargo defenseman Brian Cooper and Indiana goaltender Jon Gillies.

A full roster of players will be announced at a later date.

“It is a great opportunity to help support the USHL's mission of developing some of the best hockeky players in the world,” Mervis said. “We're proud to welcome key decision-makers from throughout the NHL to the home of the Lumberjacks.”

Last year, a total of 28 USHL players and nine USHL alumni were selected in the NHL Entry Draft.

Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and $5 for youth (ages 3-12). Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by contacting the Lumberjacks at 724-5225 or at www.startickets.com.