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Byram and ICE trio make draft rankings
Cranbrook’s Bowen Byram continues to ascend to loftier heights in terms of this summer’s National Hockey League (NHL) entry draft.
Byram is the fourth rated skater in the NHL Central Scouting’s midterm ranking of the top North American skaters eligible for the 2019 NHL Draft. The Vancouver Giants stalwart is now considered the best defenceman available in the draft and a likely top 10 selection overall.
Byram has compiled 43 points (16 goals) in 43 games so far this WHL season for the B.C. Division leading Giants.
Accolades continue to pile up for Byram, a recent WHL player of the week recipient. On Jan. 15 the Canadian Hockey League announced Byram as the CHL Player of the Week for the regular season week ending January 13, after earning six points (3G-3A) in two games with a plus-minus rating of plus-six.
Kootenay ICE scoring leader Peyton Krebs has slipped a bit, possibly the result of playing on a weak team, but is still ranking high as eighth top North American skater (a first round prospect).
In 44 games this season, Krebs has compiled 53 points, including 16 goals. He is 16th in Western Hockey League scoring so far.
Two teammates are now appearing on the Central Scouting list, with centre Cole Muir coming in at a projected 160th (sixth round) for skaters, while Jesse Makaj is the 21st rated North American goaltender.
Muir has 20 points (10 goals) so far this season, tied for fourth in ICE scoring. The should-be shell-shocked Makaj has a 3.95 goals against average and .888 save percentage in 27 games, winning three overall for the 10 win, 30 loss, seven overtime loss and one shootout loss ICE.
Top North American skater rankings
Top North American goalie rankings
Images courtesy CHL and Kootenay ICE
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