WHL Tri-City Americans

Americans Among Top Ranked NHL Entry Draft Prospects

Published on January 12, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KENNEWICK, WA - With the release of the National Hockey League's Central Scouting Service mid-season ranking for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the Tri-City Americans are proud to announce that Brooks Macek, Jordan Messier and Justin Feser earned their way onto the latest list. The mid-season ranking features the top 210 skaters and 32 goaltenders in North America and top 100 skaters and seven goaltenders from Europe. The 2010 NHL Entry Draft will take place June 25-26 in Los Angeles, California. The full ranking, in all categories, is available online at NHL.com.

"We are proud that our players have been recognized for the upcoming NHL Draft. It speaks to the job being done by our coaches, scouts and the player's teammates," expressed Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory. "We wish all our players well as they pursue their dreams of a professional hockey career."

Macek (#101), who is in his second WHL season, was originally drafted by Tri-City in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft. The 5'11, 175 lb Winnipeg, Manitoba-native has had a breakout sophomore season, collecting 53 points in 43 games thus far this season. Currently, his 40 assists rank in the top-3 among WHL skaters and he enters this week riding a career-high six-game point streak. In his rookie season, Macek played for Team West at the 2009 World U-17 Hockey Challenge and was invited to attend Canada's U-18 Summer Selection Camp this past August.

Messier (#146), who is also in his second season, was taken by Tri-City three picks earlier than Macek in the same 2007 Draft. Listed at 6'2, 193 lbs, the forward from Canmore, Alberta, has notched 16 goals and 32 points in his sophomore season after posting four goals and five points in Tri-City's post-season run to the Western Conference Semi-Finals last season.

Feser (#154), a 5'9, 181 lb forward from Red Deer, Alberta, was a ninth-round (194th overall) pick by Tri-City in the 2007 Draft. Last season, Feser helped lead Team Pacific to a silver medal at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge in January. Then, Feser was tabbed as the Americans' Rookie of the Year following a 12-goal, 28-point campaign. He has posted 20 goals and 39 points through 43 games this season for the Americans.

In addition, seven players currently listed on the Americans' PPL list were also ranked by CSS, including goaltender Zane Gothberg (#5, Thief River Falls High-MN) and skaters Brock Nelson (#17, Warroad High-MN), Max Gardiner (#36, Minnetonka High-MN), Justin Faulk (#40, USA U-18, USDP), Jaden Schwartz (#41, Tri-City, USHL), Justin Holl (#54, Minnetonka High-MN) and Peter Stoykewych (#88, Winnipeg South, MJHL).

About NHL CSS:

In its 35th year of operation, the NHL Central Scouting Service provides scouting and evaluation of draft-eligible players to NHL member clubs. Headed by Director of Central Scouting E.J. McGuire, NHL Central Scouting employs eight full-time and 15 part-time scouts throughout North America. To report on prospects playing in Europe, the NHL employs the services of Goran Stubb and his staff of six scouts at European Scouting Services, based in Finland. Combined, the NHL Central Scouting and European Scouting Services will see in excess of 3,000 games this season.

Check out the Tri-City Americans Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 12, 2010


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