Ten players from the BCHL were listed on the NHL Central Scouting’s rankings for North America’s top draft picks.
Leading the way for BCHL players was Adam Tambellini at number 62. The son of Edmonton Oiler GM and Trail native Steve Tambellini was recently traded from the Vernon Vipers to the Surrey Eagles. Powell River’s Luke Ripley came in at number 64, while West Kelowna’s David Pope was ranked 104th. Chilliwack defenceman Cooper Rush, 132, Prince George’s Kevin Guiltinan at 141, Victoria’s Nolan De Jong at 151, the Vipers Dexter Dancs at 154, and Merritt Centennial d-man Dane Birks, son of Trail Smoke Eater coach Bill Birks, at 161.
Two puck stoppers were also ranked in the top draft-eligible goaltenders with Adam Clark of the Salmon Arm SilverBacks coming in at number 32, and Chad Kutanar of the Penticton Vees at 33.