NHL.com released the Central Scouting Mid Term rankings for this years NHL draft which is scheduled to take place in Buffalo, New York on June 24-25, 2016.
Ben Hawerchuk (159th) and Justin Murray (171st) were recognized on the North American Skaters list while David Ovsjannikov (23rd) made the North American Goalies list.
Ben Hawerchuk is playing in his second season with the Colts and has made great strides since last season. With 34 games under his belt this campaign, he has already put up more points with 7 goals and 4 assists than his 4 goals and 5 assists in 59 appearances last season. Ben has really improved his skating and decision making since last year. He appears more patient with the puck which has translated in higher point production. Not only is "the coaches son" improving his game but he has shown a more aggressive side as well. He has already doubled his time in the penalty box from last season and there is still plenty of time to stack those numbers!
Justin Murray has been great this season for the Colts in his OHL debut. Goaltending for the Colts has been mostly incredible, and though Blackwood has been unreal the team has been pretty solid defensively in front of him. Guys like Webster and Andersson get a lot of credit but Matt Murray has really helped the teams depth on the blue line. With a +12 this year (the best for defensemen on the team), Murray has managed to put up 9 points while being mostly disciplined. As the season progresses he will no doubt be a key player for Barrie if they hope to make any kind of run in the playoffs and how he grows into that situation could only increase his positioning on this ranking.
David Ovsjannikov came over to Barrie from Saginaw in a deal when Blackwood was away at the World Juniors (and suspended) and Barrie was struggling filling in his spot. He has been pretty solid for Barrie considering how much our backup up situation has lacked in recent years. Not only is the team now getting wins from their "back up", but his numbers have improved since coming over from the Spirit. With more games, his numbers can get better and that could help his ranking as we approach the NHL Draft. Last seasons midterm rankings featured 4 Barrie Colts. Mackenzie Blackwood ranked first on the North American Goaltenders list. Rasmus Andersson placed 84th, Roy Radke 111th while Andrew Mangiapane landed the 147th spot on the list. Blackwood ended up getting drafted 42nd, Andersson 53rd, Radke 164th and Mangiapane 166th.
To see the complete list click here.
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