Brooks Bandits defenceman Boston Buckberger has been given a “˜C’ rating from NHL Central Scouting North American Preliminary Players to Watch List.
A “˜C’ rating indicates a 4th/5th/6th round candidate for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
The Saskatoon, SK product is in his first year with Brooks, and leads all AJHL defenceman in goals with seven, which puts him 14th overall amongst all skaters. He’s 10th in AJHL defenceman scoring with nine points (7G, 2A) in 12 games so far in the 2021-22 season.
The 5’11, 171lb blueliner is committed to Wisconsin (NCAA Division I, Big Ten Conference).
The list, released today, rates players on an A-to-C scale with A-rated prospects considered potential first-round picks. B-rated players are projected to be selected in the second or third round while C-rated prospects are projected to go in rounds four to six.
Rieger Lorenz: Forward, Okotoks Oilers (University of Denver 2022) – B Ranking
Cale Ashcroft: Defence, Sherwood Park Crusaders (University of Denver 2022) – C Ranking
Boston Buckberger: Defence, Brooks Bandits (University of Wisconsin 2022) – C Ranking
Bowden Singleton: Forward, Okotoks Oilers (University of North Dakota 2022) – C Ranking
The list is a compilation of top prospects from all the major development leagues throughout North America and Europe. It will be updated throughout the season as scouts evaluate the players leading up to the 2022 Draft. The 2022 NHL Entry Draft is scheduled for July 7th & 8th, 2022 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC.
When the 2021-22 season began last week, there were 17 AJHL alumni on the NHL opening season rosters.
Cale Makar of the Brooks Bandits is the highest-ever drafted player from the Alberta Junior Hockey League, chosen fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft. A total of 97 players have been drafted directly from the Alberta Junior Hockey League since 1980, including three in the most recent Draft.