The Kelowna Rockets and other local clubs/skaters are well-represented in the latest rankings released by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau for North American skaters.
The mid-season rankings feature 224 skaters and 32 goaltenders from the continent, as well there is an international list featuring 135 skaters and 15 goalies.
%20(1).jpg)
Nearing the top of the North American list is Kelowna Rocket standout and Lake Country native Tij Iginla, who is ranked 11th overall.
Iginla leads the Rockets in goals (27) and is third in team scoring, with 49 points in 38 games.
Joining Iginla on the list is teammate Hiroki Gojsic.
.jpg)
Gojsic is ranked 94th on the list and is seventh in team scoring with eight goals and 20 points this season, leading the Rockets’ rookies.
Also from the Okanagan and playing in the WHL is Ryder Ritchie of the Prince Albert Raiders.
The Kelowna Native is 16th in the rankings and continues to shine after being named the rookie of the year last season.
The juggle then the snipe!
— The WHL (@TheWHL) November 9, 2023
Ryder Ritchie can do it all!@PARaidersHockey | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/uF2KuyebmN
Lake Country goaltending standout Evan Gardner has been ranked 16th among North American goalies.
The Saskatoon Blade is currently second in the league with a 2.02 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage.
Another skater from Kelowna playing in the WHL is 108th-ranked Hunter Laing of the Prince George Cougars.
Laing has appeared in 40 games this season for the Cougars, mustering six goals and seven assists on a talented lineup.
Jack Pridham and Cal Hughes of the West Kelowna Warriors also saw their names unveiled on the list today.
NEWS: Jack Pridham and Cal Hughes have cracked the @NHLCentralScout Mid-Season Rankings for North American Skaters!
— West Kelowna Warriors (@BCHLWarriors) January 12, 2024
Pridham checks in at 70th while Hughes is ranked 149th!
DETAILS 📝 | https://t.co/SBtSJQ2ilS#BCHL | @TerrierHockey pic.twitter.com/9U2E5rUDRu
Pridham is the highest-ranked BCHL player at 70th overall and is third among rookies in league scoring.
The Boston University commit has 13 goals and 30 points in 32 games played this season.
Joining Pridham in the rankings is teammate Cal Hughes, who was placed 149th.
Hughes has recorded 14 goals and six assists in 32 games played with the Warriors this season.
The 2024 draft is scheduled for the end of June and the top North American skater is Macklin Celebrini.
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.
