Photo credit: Liz Wolter
The 2024 NHL Draft is set to take place on June 28 and 29 at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nev. NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings include 10 players that played in the BCHL last year.
Leading up to the draft, we will share interviews with the prospects about the draft process and a variety of other subjects.
The BCHL’s 2024 NHL Draft coverage is presented by Chevrolet.
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West Kelowna Warriors forward Jack Pridham entered the BCHL as a 17-year-old rookie last year and consistently put up numbers throughout the regular season.
The Stouffville, Ont. product tied for second in scoring among first-year players with 48 points in 54 games and was named to the league’s All-Rookie Team.
Even with his strong regular season, that was not his most impressive feat of 2023-24. That came in the playoffs.
Pridham scored eight goals in 10 postseason games, including five in his first two contests. He added a trio of assists to finish with 11 points in the playoffs.
As a result, the Boston University commit is the highest-ranked BCHL player headed into the NHL Draft this weekend. We spoke with Pridham to discuss his rookie year, his plans for next year, the draft and more.
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BCHL: How do you think your first season of junior hockey went?
Pridham: From a team perspective, I thought it was a great season. We fought through some adversity in the playoffs with injuries and suspensions. For myself, it was a good year as well. Every month, I was continuing to improve and I had a good playoff too.
BCHL: Did it mean anything to you to be the highest ranked BCHL player on the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings?
Pridham: It’s obviously nice to get noticed for the hard work, but my main focus last year was in West Kelowna. You can’t control those lists or what happens, but the biggest thing for me was to do whatever I could do for my team and help us win hockey games.
BCHL: You aren’t the only Warriors player listed by Central Scouting. Callum Hughes is actually the second ranked BCHL player behind you. What was it like playing with him last year?
Pridham: It was cool to play with another future teammate with us going to Boston University together. He’s a great guy and a great player as well. Being able to meet him, we created a strong relationship throughout the year. He’s a really good player as well, so I enjoyed every moment together with him.
BCHL: How would you describe your game?
Pridham: I’m a skilled forward with good hockey sense, good skating and a good shot.
BCHL: What would it mean to you if you were to get drafted?
Pridham: It would be a great moment for my family and I to hear my name called, but it also means the work is just beginning to reach my ultimate goal.
BCHL: You’re planning on coming back to West Kelowna next year. What will that do for your development?
Pridham: Going back to junior for one more year will allow me to play in every situation. I want to take on a leadership role and be ready to step in and play a significant role with Boston University when I get there as a freshman.
