Three Hitmen Named Among Top Skaters for 2019 NHL Draft
January 21, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release
Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club is pleased to announce NHL Central Scouting has named two Hitmen players and one prospect among the top skaters available for the 2019 NHL Draft.
Defenceman Jackson van de Leest along with forwards Mark Kastelic and Quinn Olson are all ranked among North American skaters.
The 17-year-old van de Leest is among the ice time leaders on the Hitmen blueline and has blossomed into a strong defender. He makes the list at 145.
Olson is ranked 154 with his rights acquired by the Hitmen in a Jan. 10, 2019 trade from the Prince Albert Raiders. The 17-year-old forward is currently playing in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Okotoks Oilers where he is third in team scoring with 49 points.
Kastelic, in a two-way tie for sixth in the WHL in goals with 29 and leading the league in power play markers with 15, is ranked 196. The 19-year-old captain also leads the team in scoring with 47 points.
The midterm rankings, released today, is compiled by NHL Central Scouting Service and splits prospects into both North American (NA) and International categories.
2018-19 REGULAR SEASON STATS
Player Team Ranking Stats
Jackson van de Leest (D) Calgary Hitmen #145 NA Skaters 43gp 0g 13a 13pts
Quinn Olson (F) Okotoks Oilers #154 NA Skaters 40gp 18g 31a 49pts
Mark Kastelic (F) Calgary Hitmen #196 NA Skaters 44gp 29g 18a 47pts
The 2019 NHL Draft will be held from June 21-22, 2019, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC.
Calgary returns to action this weekend for home games against Prince George on Friday, Jan. 25 and Kootenay on Sunday, Jan. 27. Friday's 7:00 p.m. start is CBE Night at the Scotiabank Saddledome while Sunday's 2:00 p.m. contest at the 'Dome is Dodge Skate with the Hitmen where the entire team will take to the ice for a 45 minute post-game skate with fans.
Tickets can be purchased at any Ticketmaster location or the Scotiabank Saddledome Box Office.
Western Hockey League Stories from January 21, 2019
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- Rockets' Porter Named WHL Eli Wilson Goaltending Goaltender of the Week - WHL
- Warriors' Almeida Named WHL On the Run Player of the Week - WHL
- Three Hitmen Named Among Top Skaters for 2019 NHL Draft - Calgary Hitmen
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- Hughes Leaves Team - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- 48 WHL Players Highlight NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings - WHL
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