Photo credits: Island Images (Lahey, Monteiro), Liz Wolter (Ashton, Stefanek), Tami Quan (Pridham)
NHL Central Scouting released its Mid-Term Rankings today and 10 BCHL players are included on the list.
The highest ranked player is West Kelowna Warriors forward Jack Pridham who comes in as the 70th ranked North American skater. The Penticton Vees lead the way with three players on the list, while the Warriors have two.
See below for the full list.
#70 North American skater – Jack Pridham (F) – West Kelowna Warriors
#138 North American skater – Luke Ashton (D) – Langley Rivermen
#144 North American skater – Matt Lahey (D) – Nanaimo Clippers
#149 North American skater – Callum Hughes (F) – West Kelowna Warriors
#151 North American skater – Chase Stefanek (F) – Trail Smoke Eaters
#160 North American skater – JJ Monteiro (F) – Salmon Arm Silverbacks
#171 North American skater – Max Heise (F) – Penticton Vees
#179 North American skater – Connor MacPherson (F) – Penticton Vees
#197 North American skater – Francesco Dell’Elce (D) – Penticton Vees
#201 North American skater – Cooper Cleaves (F) – Brunswick Prep (Vernon Vipers)*
*Cleaves started the season with the Vipers, returned to his high school team for the school year and will be finishing the 2023-24 season back in Vernon.
The NHL Draft takes place June 28 and 29 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nev.
Last year, nine current, former and future BCHL players were selected in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, including two in the first round when Victoria Grizzlies alumnus Matthew Wood was taken 15th overall by the Nashville Predators and former Penticton Vees forward Bradly Nadeau was selected 30th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes.
