Forward Callahan Named to NHL Central Scouting Watch List
Published on September 19, 2012 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bismarck Bobcats News Release
TORONTO, ONT - Though it is just four games deep, Bismarck Bobcats forward Ryan Callahan's 2012-13 campaign got a major shot in the arm Wednesday as the second-year veteran was named to NHL Central Scouting's "Prospects to Watch" index.
The distinction is a franchise first: no other Bobcat before Callahan has ever been selected to Central Scouting's watch list.
"It's a pretty unreal feeling to look at the NHL's website and see your name on there," admitted Callahan, "and to know that how much it means to our organization. It also means, though, that I've got a lot of work to do to keep up with higher expectations."
An 18 year-old center out of Grafton, N.D., Callahan is listed as a "ËC'-level skater by the NHL scouts-which, according to NHL.com writer Mike Morreale, means he is currently projected as a fourth-to-sixth round pick at the 2013 NHL Draft.
Callahan is one of six NAHL players to be recognized by Central Scouting, along with Kalamazoo's Brett Beauvais, Janesville's Connor Lemirande, Soo's Michael Sabatini, Corpus Christi's Jalen Schulz and Wichita Falls' Evan Cowley.
Big league scouts got a close look at the former Spoiler at last week's Combat Hockey NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minn., as every NHL team had one or more scouts among the 300+ scouts in attendance at the Schwan Super Rink.
"Ryan is a great skater and has a lot of strength," credited Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie, "and he just turned 18 a month and a half ago. The sky is the limit for him and we, as an organization, couldn't be prouder of him.
"Even though we all strive for the Robertson Cup, our primary goal is to advance our players on to the next level, so we take it as a big compliment from the NHL scouts to know that they think so highly of Ryan."
Callahan and his five North American League Central Scouting compatriots will hope to follow in the footsteps of 2011-12 NAHL'ers Anthony Stolarz and Connor Hellebuyck, both of whom were drafted this past June, to the Philadelphia Flyers and Winnipeg Jets, respectively.
With the regular season now under way following the Showcase, the Bobcats return home for Coors Light Opening Night on Friday as they host the West Division's Fresno Monsters for the first time in franchise history at 7:15 PM. The Cats will have a big pregame party before Coors Light Opening Night, including a party in the parking lot with HOT 97.5.
Coors Light Opening Night will be broadcast locally on the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, Super Talk 1270, KLXX-AM, and worldwide on the official internet television partner of the NAHL, FASTHockey, at http://nahl.fasthockey.com. Pregame coverage gets under way at 6:45.
Season tickets for the 2012-13 season are now on sale-and going fast! Call the Bobcat Hockey office today at (701) 222-3300 to reserve your seats for another great season of Championship Entertainment.
North American Hockey League Stories from September 19, 2012
- Janesville Jets Conor Lemirande Recognized by NHL Central Scouting - Janesville Jets
- Forward Callahan Named to NHL Central Scouting Watch List - Bismarck Bobcats
- Beauvais on the Radar - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- NAHL Players Recognized by NHL Central Scouting - NAHL
- Schulz Earns Spot on NHL Central Scouting List - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Great Success Continues at NAHL Showcase for Amarillo Bulls - Amarillo Bulls
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
