Seven BCHL skaters are on the final Central Scouting Bureau list in the lead-up to the National Hockey League entry draft in June.
The final rankings of the season were released Wednesday, with Adam Tambellini holding his status as the top BCHL prospect.
After a strong playoff run culminating in a BCHL title with the Surrey Eagles, Tambellini soared 20 spots from the midterm ranking to slot in at No. 42 among North American skaters. When combined with the European list, that would put him in the 60-90 range, which would be a second or third round grade.
Tambellini was a BCHL second team all-star and led the league in goals during the 2013 playoffs. He scored the double-overtime goal for the Eagles, as they beat the Penticton Vees to capture the 2013 Fred Page Cup.
A native of Edmonton, Tambellini has committed to the University of North Dakota (NCAA division one) for next season.
West Kelowna Warrior David Pope is the next highest BCHLer, coming in at No. 67. Powell River’s Luke Ripley is next at No. 86.
Victoria’s Nolan DeJong is No. 111.
Merritt’s Dane Birks is No. 121.
Penticton’s Jedd Soleway is No. 131 and Prince George D-man Kevin Guiltinan checks in at No. 162.
A BCHL netminder is also ranked.
Vees stopper Chad Katunar is No. 28 among North Americans.
Fifteen Canadian junior A draft-eligibles are listed by the CSB. Thirteen were drafted last year, shattering the previous high-water mark of seven set in 2011.
This year’s NHL entry draft will be held June 28 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
