The North Bay Battalion are well represented on the mid-term ratings released on Monday by the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau.
Forward Matthew Struthers, who came over in the Brett McKenzie deal, is rated 108th while big New Liskeard product Justin Brazeau is listed at 141, and speedy left winger Luke Burghardt comes in at 153. Defenceman Adam Thilander is listed at 217.
The list is made up of all the North American Skaters eligible for the NHL Entry Draft which takes place in Dallas, Texas June 22nd and 23rd.
“I’m really happy that the list has recognized four of our players,” said Stan Butler, Battalion director of hockey operations and head coach in a release.
“It’s pretty neat that three 19-year-olds are on the list. I still think there are some other players on our team who, if they have a good second half, will find their way onto the final list as well.”
Struthers, a Milton, Ontario product, has hit the ground running taking over the first-line centre position with the Battalion playing alongside Burghardt and Brazeau.
“It’s definitely exciting to see your name on any list, but at the end of the day it’s just a list, and right now I’m more worried about winning hockey games,” said Struthers in the release.
“I think I need to make sure I continue to be good along the boards and use my size down low at both ends of the ice. Taking pucks into the hard areas is important as well. Continuing to work hard in practice and doing the little things will lead to individual success and ultimately team success.”
Brazeau leads the team with 29 goals. He was an invite to the Detroit Red Wings camp in 2016 and last summer took part in the Columbus Blue Jackets camp.
He’s hoping his numbers this year will get him more than just a camp invitation.
“It’s nice to be recognized by central scouting, especially it being my third time being entered in the draft,” noted Brazeau in a team release.
“I just need to keep doing what I’m doing, play my game and keep working hard, and hopefully something good happens from it.”
Burghardt, who joined the Battalion this summer in the Zach Poirier deal, is excited to see his name on the list.
“I have to finish strong and continue to produce throughout each game and continue to improve all areas of my game,” he said.
It was not such good news for Battalion forward Adam McMaster. The smooth skating forward, who was rated C by Central Scouting in November, has been left off the midterm rankings list.
Former Battalion defender Brady Lyle, now playing with the Owen Sound Attack is rated 127th.
Meantime local goaltender and former NOJHL MVP Nate McDonald, has been left off the midterm rankings after making a C grade with the NHL Central Scouting Bureau in their November rankings.
McDonald, who won an NOJHL title last spring with the Powassan Voodoos, started the year with the Whitby Fury of the OJHL and recently accepted a trade to the Markham Royals in late December.
McDonald committed to Cornell University in September 2017.
