Four Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Players have been identified on the National Hockey League Central Scouting Players to Watch List for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Leading the way is Rieger Lorenz (Okotoks Oilers), followed by Cale Ashcroft (Sherwood Park Crusaders), Boston Buckberger (Brooks Bandits) and Bowden Singleton (Okotoks Oilers).
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) – Ranking
- Bowden Singleton: Forward, Okotoks Oilers (University of North Dakota 2022) – C Ranking
Nine players from the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) are identified on the list with Lorenz currently tabbed as the highest-ranked CJHL player in the country.
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.