NAHL players recognized in NHL CSS Mid-Term Rankings
January 21, 2015
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is please to announce that eight total players (5 current, 3 alumni), were recognized on the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Central Scouting’s 2015 Mid-Term Rankings.
The list included five players that are currently playing in the NAHL this season and three former players that are in another league.
Current NAHL players on the list:
Vaughan Ahrens, G, Minnesota Magicians
Ryan Bednard, G, Johnstown Tomahawks
Matthew Jurusik, G, Janesville Jets
Evan Smith, G, Austin Bruins
Matej Tomek, G, Topeka RoadRunners
NAHL players now in another league:
Logan Halladay, G, Janesville Jets (2013-14)
Roope Hintz, F, Bismarck Bobcats (2012-13)
Ryan Larkin, G, Michigan Warriors (2014-15)
Players from the NAHL on the list include Topeka RoadRunners goaltender Matej Tomek, who is the highest ranked NAHL player at #4 for North American goalies. Tomek is at the top of the NAHL goaltending statistics with a 1.65 goals against average. He committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of North Dakota back on January 2nd.
At #15 is Johnstown Tomahawks goalie Ryan Bednard. Bednard has been a workhorse this season for the Tomahawks. The Bowling Green commit ranks 4th in both games played and minutes played in the NAHL.
At #18 is Austin Bruins goalie Evan Smith. Smith joined the Bruins in mid-December after starting the season in the WHL. The 6’6 goalie played the last two seasons for the Pikes Peak Miners in the NAPHL.
At #19 is Vaughan Ahrens from the Minnesota Magicians. Ahrens had solid start to the season, but was hurt in mid-October and did not return to the line-up until last weekend.
At #21 is perhaps one of the hottest goalies in the league in Janesville Jets netminder Matthew Jurusik. Jurusik was named in the NAHL Goalie of the Month in December and has won his last nine starts.
NHL Central Scouting will release its final rankings in April. The Florida Panthers will host the 2015 NHL Draft at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida. Next year's Draft will be held over two days, Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27, 2015. NHL club executives, scouts and coaches will be present on the NHL Draft floor while more than 15,000 fans and 500 print, television and radio media are expected to attend.
A total of six players with NAHL ties were selected in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
