By Aaron Bell

Ryan Strome feels a little like he should be a paying customer.

The Niagara IceDogs’ forward is one of 40 of the Canadian Hockey League’s top draft eligible players that are in Toronto this week for the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Strome suited up for Don Cherry’s squad, which also includes Brian Kilrea and Bert O’Brien behind the bench while the opposition will be coached by former Toronto Maple Leafs’ captains Doug Gilmour and Wendel Clark as well as Brampton Battalion coach Stan Butler.

Strome won’t need a ticket but he said he may still be a little bit in awe of the coaches behind both benches.

“They are all big names and it should be very exciting,” said Strome, who was rated 19th among North American prospects for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. “Anytime you get to meet someone like that it’s a huge honour. It should be very exciting.”

These celebrities obviously bring a lot of media attention to the event but Strome said that it’s a great opportunity to pick the brains of some of hockey’s most famous names.

“Those guys are all very successful hockey people and are very well known in the hockey community,” Strome said. “To be able to have the chance to play under their influence should be a fantastic experience.”

Strome isn’t the only player that’s star gazing while at the Top Prospects Game this week.

Many of the players have admitted that meeting these hockey icons will be a highlight of the event.

“I loved those guys growing up as a Leafs’ fan,” said Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors defenceman Stuart Percy. “Two Leafs legends there. It’s going to be exciting.”

The biggest question may be which team will be cheered for as the home team at the Air Canada Centre.

Don Cherry is one of the most popular hockey icons in the city while Gilmour and Clark are two of the most beloved Leafs of all time.

Strome is happy to be on Team Cherry - especially with Cherry’s connection with the Niagara IceDogs. Strome used to watch the IceDogs play at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga when he was growing up.

“I used to remember going there when I was a little guy to watch the games,” Strome said. “I remember Don Cherry’s IceDogs and it was very exciting. He’s a great guy and a great person for the hockey community.”