McEwan Climbs, Raaymakers Falls In Final NHL Draft Rankings

James McEwan made a leap up the NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking for this June’s NHL Entry Draft.

A second time eligible prospect, McEwan jumped 39 spots to 163 among North American skaters, after being ranked 202 in the Midterms.

He led the OHL’s Guelph Storm in goals and points this season with 25 goals, and 52 points in 68 games. McEwan is an alumni of both the Chatham-Kent Cyclones and Chatham Maroons programs.

Falling 5 spots in the North American goaltending rankings, is fellow Chatham product, Joseph Raaymakers.

Raaymakers’ numbers took a dip in his second OHL season, as he collected a 3.61 GAA and 0.891 save percentage in 28 games for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Fellow Soo Greyhounds player, and former Chatham Maroons forward Hayden Verbeek took a significant step forward, moving from 164 to 125 among North American skaters.

Another local player to make their debut on the list was Leamington Flyers goalie Tyler Wall, who was the 30th ranked North American goalie. He is committed to play NCAA division I hockey for Umass-Lowell after his Junior B GOJHL career ends this season.

Thamesville’s Trent Fox is also eligible for the draft for the second season, having a break out year with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs. The 6’3″ forward scored 28 goals and 50 points in 67 games for the Bulldogs. Guelph Storm defensemen, and local products Levi Tetrault and Brock Philips are also eligible, but were not ranked.

The 2016 NHL Draft will take place June 24-25 in Buffalo, New York.