ItÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s early in the hockey season but never too early for NHL Central Scouting to release their Preliminary Players to Watch list, which includes some local talent.
The list ranks the best North American and International hockey players who are draft-eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. In this initial list, two Kelowna Rockets and two West Kelowna Warriors have made the cut.
Topping the list for the four with Kelowna connections is Lake CountryÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Tij Iginla. NHL Central Scouting currently has him listed as a Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥˜BÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™ prospect, meaning heÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s estimated to be selected in the second or third round of the NHL Draft.
Iginla has been a star for the Rockets so far this season as the second on the team with 19 points and leads the team with 12 goals through the teamÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s first 11 games.
Also a Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥˜BÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™ prospect is West Kelowna Warriors forward Jack Pridham. The BCHL rookie has nine points (six goals, three assists) in 12 games this season. He is committed to Boston University for next season.
A pair of Rockets are on the
Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets)
Preliminary Players to Watch list for the 2024 .
Tij Iginla x Hiroki Gojsic
Under the Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥˜CÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™ prospects are Rockets forward Hiroki Gojsic and Warriors forward Callum Hughes. Being a Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥˜CÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™ prospect means theyÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™re projected to be selected in the fourth or fifth round of the NHL Draft.
Gojsic has become a mainstay in the Rockets lineup, tallying two goals and three assists in 12 games for the Rockets so far this season. While 2006-born Hughes has three goals and two assists in 12 games for the Warriors. He is also committed to Boston University next season.
Iginla, Gojsic, and the Rockets are back in action on Wednesday, Oct. 25 when they welcome the Victoria Royals to Prospera Place. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.
Pridham, Hughes, and the Warriors play again on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Cranbrook.
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