The National Hockey League off-season continues at a breakneck speed, with the annual draft this upcoming weekend.
The 2020 NHL Draft saw one player selected who played in the BCHL during the 2019-20 season as Chilliwack Chiefs forward Ethan Bowen went to the Anaheim Ducks in the seventh round, 207th overall.
Although the league only got in 20 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are no fewer than six players who skated in the BC Hockey League this past season who could hear their names called this weekend.
Sasha Teleguine (Chilliwack Chiefs)
Final Rank: 134 (North American skaters)
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 183 lbs.
Birthdate: Sept. 17, 2002
Birthplace: North Attleborough, MA
Profile:
• Played three seasons at Thayer Academy in Braintree, MA
• Had points in eight of his last nine games to end 2020-21 season
• Committed to University of Connecticut for September 2021
• Selected in the 2018 QMJHL Entry Draft, 2018 USHL Futures Draft, and 2020 USHL Entry Draft
Statistics:
Ellis Rickwood (Victoria Grizzlies)
Final Rank: 144 (North American skaters)
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Right
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 200 lbs.
Birthdate: July 2, 2002
Birthplace: Brantford, ON
Profile:
• Scored points in 17 of 20 games during 2020-21, finishing second in BCHL scoring
• Named top scorer, top rookie, and most valuable player for the Island Pod
• Committed to Clarkson University for September 2022
• Selected in the first round of the 2019 OHL U18 Priority Selection
Statistics:
Noah Serdachny (Salmon Arm Silverbacks)
Final Rank: 168 (North American skaters)
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 180 lbs.
Birthdate: March 9, 2003
Birthplace: Edmonton, AB
Profile:
• Topped all BCHL rookies with 18 assists
• Named Vernon Pod top rookie after finishing fourth in BCHL scoring
• Notched points in 14 of Salmon Arm’s 20 games in 2020-21
• Committed to Colorado College for September 2021
Statistics:
Joaquim Lemay (Salmon Arm)
Final Rank: 224 (North American skaters)
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 178 lbs.
Birthdate: July 28, 2002
Birthplace: Saint-Pierre-les-Becquets, QC
Profile:
• Rode a mid-season seven-game point streak where he posted eight assists
• Second among rookie defensemen in the BCHL in assists with 10
• Selected in the 2018 QMJHL Entry Draft and the 2020 USHL Entry Draft
• Committed to the University of Nebraska-Omaha for September 2021
Statistics:
Logan Terness (Trail)
Final Rank: 25 (North American goaltenders)
Position: Goaltender
Catches: Left
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 185 lbs.
Birthdate: Sept. 18, 2002
Birthplace: Burnaby, BC
Profile:
• Fifth-best save percentage (.925) in the BCHL in 2020-21
• 2019-20 BCHL rookie of the year and BCHL second-team all-star
• Selected in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft and the 2020 USHL Entry Draft
• Committed to the University of Connecticut for September 2021
Statistics:
Dark horse
There is also another BCHL player who was on NHL Central Scouting’s radar for the 2021 NHL Draft but for one reason or another, didn’t end up making the cut for the final rankings.
Penticton Vees captain Finlay Williams was included in this past January’s NHL Central Scouting Players to Watch list. At the time, the 2003-born forward was listed as a C Prospect, which meant he was seen as a potential fourth-round draft pick or later.
The North Vancouver, BC product had five goals and 18 points in 15 games this past season with the Vees. He was a 2018 WHL Bantam Draft pick as well as a selection in the 2019 USHL Futures Draft.
