Penticton Vees winger Curtis McKenzie's strong late season play didn't go unnoticed by the National Hockey League's Central Scouting service.
McKenzie was one of six British Columbia Hockey League players to appear on Central Scouting's final rankings for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in June. The 18-year old leaped 69 spots from the midterm list, rising to 89th.
Cowichan Valley defenceman Curtis Gedig and Vernon Vipers forward Cory Kane are next on the list at 115th and 117th respectively, both having jumped nearly 50 spots since the last rankings.
A trio of player — Surrey Eagles forward Spencer Bennett, Vipers blueliner Kyle Bigos and Prince George Spruce Kings counterpart Wes McLeod — round out the list.
The 2009 NHL Entry Draft will take place on June 26th and 27th in Montreal.
Last year, Westside Warriors blueliner Justin Schultz and Vees forward Zac Dalpe were the first two BCHL players taken — both in the second round — by Anaheim and Carolina respectively.
