Cougars goaltender Tyler Brennan named as top North American goaltender in latest scouting rankings

Five players on the Prince George Cougars’ roster have been named to the NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings, with goaltender Tyler Brennnan occupying the top spot among all North American net-minders.

Joining Brennan on the list are defencemen Viliam Kmec (92nd overall), Keaton Dowhaniuk (136th), and Hudson Thornton (211th), as well as fellow goalie Ty Young, who ranks 21st on the list.

Brennan, a native of Winnipeg, MB, has posted a 5-11-0-1 record on the season, compiling a 3.55 goals against average (GAA) and 0.896 save percentage (SV%). He is projected to be an early-mid round pick in the upcoming NHL draft. His partner Ty Young has played in five games with the Cougars this season, and has posted a 1-1-1-0 record, with a 4.06 GAA and 0.868 SV%.

Defenceman Viliam Kmec, a native of Košice, Slovakia, has two goals and 11 assists through 27 games this season. He has recently returned from representing Team Slovakia at the World Junior Championships earlier this month.

Fellow Prince George blueliner Hudson Thornton, another Winnipeg product, has recorded 20 points in his first season in a Cougars uniform which ranks second in WHL rookie scoring among defencemen. Meanwhile, Keaton Dowhaniuk from Sherwood Park, AB, has tallied eight points--all assists--this year.

Having five players ranked among the game’s best prospects is a significant accomplishment for the Cougars, who look to continue their long tradition of producing NHL talent.