CALGARY, Alta. – The National Hockey League Scouting Combine, currently underway in Buffalo, N.Y., features five players who compete in the Canadian Junior Hockey League.
There are four defencemen and one forward from the CJHL that are among the 104 participants from across North America and Europe that were invited to take part.
Of these invitees, they are the top five CJHL NHL Central Scouting prospects heading into the NHL Draft, June 22-23, in Dallas, Texas.
Topping that list is CJHL Defenceman of the Year and its highest rated draft prospect, Jacob Bernard-Docker of the Okotoks Oilers (AJHL), who was slotted 33rd overall among North American skaters.
The other three blueliners attending are Jonathan Tychonick of the Penticton Vees (BCHL); Stanislav Demin of the Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) and Seth Barton from the Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL).
At forward is centre Jack McBain of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL).
McBain is the highest-rated CJHL forward heading into the draft at 35th overall among players on North American teams.
The first CJHL player taken in the draft will receive the John Grisdale Top Prospects Award, which will be presented annually to the highest selected CJHL player chosen in each year’s NHL Draft.
That honour is in recognition of the former BCHL commissioner who recently stepped down after 15 seasons at the helm of that league and is also the CJHL`s newest Life Member.
Among the events each of the Scouting Combine participants have and will be undertaking during the event will be off-ice testing and individual interviews with management and scouting staffs of each of the NHL`s 31-member clubs.