Two Phantoms Named to 2014 NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking List
Published on January 13, 2014 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Two members of the Youngstown Phantoms were named to NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking list of 2014 NHL Entry Draft eligible prospects, which was released today.
Center Maxim Letunov was ranked as the 68th overall North American-based skater, and right wing JJ Piccinich checked in at 164th overall on that same list.
Letunov's ranking carries a third round projection, while Piccinich's is accompanied with a sixth round grade.
"Both [Letunov and Piccinich's] statuses have risen since the beginning of the season," said Phantoms Head Coach & General Manager Anthony Noreen. "It's something both of them have earned, and something both of them should be involved in and recognized for. Both of them have bright futures, not only in our league, and in college hockey, but in professional hockey down the road."
Letunov, 17, has recorded 27 points in 31 games this season, his first in the USHL after being drafted by the Phantoms in the second round of the 2013 Phase II Draft. Currently tied for 20th in the USHL in total scoring, the native of Moscow, Russia began his Youngstown career with a six-game point streak in his first six games. The future Boston University Terrier has also registered 16 points over his last 16 games.
"Max is a special kid," said Noreen. "Off the ice, he's one of the most determined kids I've ever been around to be a pro. He's going to do whatever it takes to make sure that he's successful here, and at the next level, wherever he goes. He puts the extra time in, he does things the right way, he works appropriately, and aside from that, he's also extremely gifted and talented. He thinks the game as well, or better, than any player we've had since I've been here."
Piccinich, also 17 and a Boston University commit, leads the USHL in power play goals, with 10. He ranks second on Youngstown and is tied for ninth in the League in total scoring, and his 19 goals currently tie him for fourth in the League. Like Letunov, he has found success of late, accumulating 18 points over his last 12 contests.
In the midst of his second USHL season, Piccinich has broken out with 33 points in 31 games after recording 15 points in 63 games during the 2012-13 season.
"JJ is a guy who, right now, is reaping the rewards of the attitude and the buy-in he showed last year," said Noreen. "Last year, we asked him to play a little bit different of a role than from what he was used to, and I think he learned how to play a 200-foot game, and how to be responsible in all three zones.
"He's a guy who we knew would eventually score, and I think this year, now that we have him in more of a scoring line role, not only is he doing that, but I think he is still drawing back on the lessons he learned last year of how to compete the right way, and how to play a complete game. It's great that he's scoring, but he's also playing a very well-rounded game-penalty kill, power play, and big-time five-on-five situations."
Both Letunov and Piccinich, along with Luke Stork and Kiefer Sherwood, were named to NHL Central Scouting's preliminary "Players to Watch" list, released in November.
The 2014 NHL Entry Draft will take place on June 27 and June 28 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Single game tickets are on sale now for all Phantoms' home games at the Covelli Centre. Phantoms 10-Game Flex Plans are also available starting at the low price of just $89. Call 330.747.PUCK (7825) for more information or to reserve seats today. For all the latest news, visit www.YoungstownPhantoms.com, follow the Phantoms on Twitter (@YtownPhantoms) and 'like' them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/YoungstownPhantoms).
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