Vancouver Giants forward Ty Ronning has been added to Team Cherry for the 2016 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Ronning, 18, has 26 goals and 41 points in 45 games this season and is second on the Giants in scoring. Ronning will replace Vancouver teammate Tyler Benson, who is unable to participate due to injury. Benson, 20th in Future Considerations’ January ranking, has been battling a lower-body injury and last played on Dec. 30.

“Ronning is an explosive and opportunistic scorer with upscale offensive instincts,” Future Considerations head west scout Zenon Herasymiuk said. “His eyes light up around the puck and he is able to quickly elevate the pace of play with a good first step and dynamic hands. He has a knack for finding soft spots in the offensive zone around traffic, and he makes no mistake when given the opportunity around the net.

“He also has a high compete level, which allows him to win some 50/50 battles and provide a pesky presence in the cycle. He’ll have to continue to show he can excel and create in high tempo offensive environments.”

Sarnia Sting defenseman Jakob Chychrun will serve as captain of Team Cherry in place of Benson, and Kelowna Rockets forward Dillon Dube has been added as an alternate captain, joining Julien Gauthier of the Val-d’Or Foreurs.

Chychrun and Gauthier were originally announced as Team Cherry alternates earlier this month.

The CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game will be held at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver on Jan. 28.