CALGARY, Alta. – The latest National Hockey League Central Scouting Players to Watch List has seen another increase among players from the Canadian Junior Hockey League named on it.
There are a total of 20 players from within the CJHL on the NHLCS list, which is one more than the November update. Among those 20 is Penticton Vees defenceman Griffin Mendel, who recently represented Canada West in the World Junior A Challenge. Mendel is in the C rating group. A “C” rating is for potential fourth through sixth round draft choices.
Headlining the group of 20 from the CJHL is Brooks Bandits (AJHL) defenceman Cale Makar whose strong performance at the recently completed WJAC has elevated him to an A rating, which indicates him as a potential first round selection for the 2017 NHL Draft in Chicago.
Another CJHL blueliner, who also moved up in the ratings to a B ranking, is Brockville Braves (CCHL) D-man Cameron Crotty, whose impressive efforts at the WJAC helped Canada East mine a silver medal.
Crotty joins defenceman Ian Mitchell of the Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) on the B rating listing as a possible second or third round draft selection.
The remaining 17 CJHL players on the NHLCS December Watch List all earned a “C” rating.