The NHL continues to work towards completing the 2019-20 season, but as the calendar gets closer to the summer months, many wonder what the fate of the NHL Entry Draft is. The annual extravaganza was slated for June 26 and 27 in Montreal but like everything in the hockey world, the Draft is rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unlike last year which saw Victoria Grizzlies star Alex Newhook selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round, 16th overall, there are no BCHL players ranked high enough to be drafted that early. Regardless of when the draft takes place, there are players who skated in the BC Hockey League this past season who will most likely hear their names called.
Ethan Bowen (Chilliwack Chiefs)
Final Rank: 119 (North American skaters)
Midterm Rank: 77 (NA skaters)
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 154 lbs.
Birthdate: May 14, 2002
Birthplace: Chilliwack, BC
Profile:
• Won RBC Cup as an affiliate player for Chilliwack in 2018
• Missed 17 games in 2019 with a hand injury
• Named to Canada West roster for 2020 CJHL Top Prospects Game
• Committed to University of North Dakota for September 2020
Statistics:
Danny Weight (Penticton Vees)
Final Rank: 142 (North American skaters)
Midterm Rank: 116 (NA skaters)
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 173 lbs.
Birthdate: May 1, 2001
Birthplace: Edmonton, AB
Profile:
• Was a teammate of 2019 first-overall pick Jack Hughes in 2018-19 with USNTDP Juniors in the USHL
• Attended 2019 New Jersey Devils Development Camp
• Three points in six games at 2017 World U17 Hockey Challenge where he helped Team USA win gold
• Committed to Boston College for September 2020
Statistics:
Kyler Kovich (Nanaimo Clippers)
NEWS: The Nanaimo Clippers name Kyler Kovich as the team's new Captain.
—> https://t.co/jBBM10xHX7 pic.twitter.com/GQiwURmDEp
— Nanaimo Clippers (@ClippersHockey) March 23, 2020
Final Rank: 168 (North American skaters)
Midterm Rank: 164 (NA skaters)
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 180 lbs.
Birthdate: January 31, 2002
Birthplace: Coquitlam, BC
Profile:
• Played for Canada West at the 2020 CJHL Top Prospects Game
• Represented Canada West at 2019 World Junior A Challenge
• Named winner of Nanaimo Clippers scholastic player award for 2019-20
• Committed to Cornell University for September 2021
Statistics:
Trey Taylor (Vernon Vipers)
Congrats to Vernon Vipers D Trey Taylor on his commitment to Clarkson University!#ModernHockey @ShawInfo
📸 @garrettjames22 pic.twitter.com/h5B4utd3or
— BC Hockey League (@GoBCHL) January 22, 2020
Final Rank: 216 (North American skaters)
Midterm Rank: 189 (NA skaters)
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 179 lbs.
Birthdate: February 4, 2002
Birthplace: Richmond, BC
Profile:
• Played for Canada West at the 2020 CJHL Top Prospects Game
• Fred Page Cup finalist with the Vernon Vipers in 2019
• Selected by Portland in the 9th round, 192nd overall of the 2017 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft
• Committed to Clarkson University for September 2021
Statistics:
Dark horses
There are also a pair of BCHL players who were on NHL Central Scouting’s radar for the 2020 Draft but for one reason or another, didn’t end up making the cut for the final rankings of the season.
Alberni Valley Bulldogs netminder Jackson Glassford was ranked 22nd among North American goaltenders in the midterm rankings which came out in January. The 19-year-old from Qualicum Beach, BC was 12-7-0 with a 3.25 goals-against-average and a .915 save percentage in 21 games with the Bulldogs in 2019-20.
Langley Rivermen defenseman Ryan Helliwell was included in last October’s initial NHL Central Scouting Players to Watch list. At the time, Helliwell was listed as a C Prospect, which meant he was seen as a potential 4th, 5th or 6th round draft pick. The 17-year-old from Vancouver had seven goals and 16 assists in 48 games this past season with the Rivermen.
