This week is set to be special not only for 217 young hockey players from around the world, but possibly for three men who played in Prince George.
Two Cougars and a Spruce Kings are hoping to hear their name called at the NHL Draft in Vancouver, land the possibility of playing in the big league soon, and continue to put B.C.’s northern capital on the map.
While none are expected to go in the first round, the drama of the draft never ceases to amaze general managers, scouts, journalists, fans, and even the players.
Here’s a breakdown of the three Prince George-based men eligible for draft in 2019, in order of final ranking by NHL Central Scouting:
LAYTON AHAC
- Rank = 62nd (North American Skaters)
- Position = Defenceman
- Potential Pick = Second, Third, or Fourth Round
Ahac’s efforts in helping the Spruce Kings’ first-ever B.C. Hockey League (BCHL) Fred Page and Doyle Cups, along with a finals appearance at the National Junior ‘A’ Championship, jumped him up from 114th in the mid-term rankings to 62nd.
The 18-year-old put in a strong case as an offensive defenceman this season with 32 points, including 28 assists, in the regular season while adding 17 more (five goals, 12 assists) in the post-season.
The Spruce Kings have only ever had two players drafted in their history; the last was Jujhar Kharia in the third round of 2012 by the Edmonton Oilers.
Drafted or not, Ahac is committed to Ohio State University in September.
Although, we’re sure being drafted in the Vancouver Canucks, or in the organization's home arena, would be an added bonus for the North Vancouver product.
Hypothetically, if all of the North American skaters are picked in the right order, he’ll be the last pick in the second round, which belongs to the Stanley Cup-champion St. Louis Blues.
TAYLOR GAUTHIER
- Rank = Seventh
- Position = Goaltender
- Potential Pick = Third or Fourth Round
“I take lots of pride in representing the Prince George Cougars and myself.”
That’s what Taylor Gauthier told PrinceGeorgeMatters after completing the NHL Scouting Combine where he hoped he left a good impression with GMs and Scouts.
The 18-year-old posted three shutouts during his 15-win regular season with the Cougars, which may have been a reason why his stock dropped from fifth to seventh.
Regardless of reason, the Calgary product gained plenty of experience on the international stage with three wins for Canada’s Under-18 team.
“I honestly just hope, whenever I met with them, that they thought I was a good person,” he said, explaining he had interviews at the Combine with four different NHL teams. “At this level, there are so many things that everyone does really well, and I think, at the end of the day, those interviews are looking for good human beings before good hockey players because they have the tools and skills to pick out the talent, but they also want to get to know you better and see what kind of person you are off the ice.”
Gauthier also had the best squat jump at the Combine at 23.19 inches.
COLE MOBERG
- Rank = 136th (North American Skaters)
- Position = Defenceman
- Potential Pick = Fourth, Fifth, Sixth Round
Cole Moberg had a breakout year with the Cougars with 40 points in 61 games, including 13 goals.
He also cemented his spot in the top-defensive pairing with his impressive performances in just his second full season in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
The 18-year-old upped his stock to from 175 mid-term to 136th and while he may not go in the first few rounds, he still has the chance to have more success next season in Prince George as a returning player.
Fair to say he’s also become a fan favourite on and off the ice.
Since 1995, the Cougars’ organization has had 37 players called by the NHL at the entry draft.
The last Prince George player to be drafted in the first round was Brett Connolly by the Tampa Bay Lightning at sixth overall in 2010.
The first round of the 2019 NHL Draft takes place Friday (June 21) at 4:30 p.m. Pacific from Rogers Arena in Vancouver, while rounds two through seven will be on Saturday (June 22).
