Trio of Broncos crack 2018 NHL Central Scouting Ranks
Swift Current, SK – A trio of Swift Current Broncos were listed among NHL Central Scouting’s November ‘Players to Watch’ list for the 2018 NHL Draft which occurs on June 22-23 in Dallas, TX. Riley Stotts, Artyom Minulin and Joel Hofer were amongst 38 WHL Players named on the list.
Players have been identified using the following criteria:
- A Rating — Indicates a first round candidate
- B Rating — Indicates a second or third round candidate
- C Rating — Indicates a fourth/fifth/sixth round candidate
Sophomore forward Riley Stotts earned a ‘C’ level ranking from NHL Central Scouting. A product of Winnipeg, MB, Stotts is off to a slow start this season from point production but nonetheless is a talented skater that is getting recognition. The 17-year old winger has recorded two goals in 18 games and plays significant minutes on the Broncos second line. Stotts was selected by the Broncos with the 10th overall pick in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft.
Russian import Artyom Minulin saw himself earn a ‘C’ rank from NHL Central Scouting and is highly motivated more than ever this season. After not being selected by an NHL club in last year’s draft, the 19-year-old blue liner has gotten off to a solid start in his third campaign with the Broncos, having amassed 10 points (3g-7a) in 16 games. Furthermore, Minulin suited up for Team Russia for the second straight year at the 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series in early November. Minulin was the Broncos first round selection, 29th overall in the 2015 CHL Import Draft.
Rookie goaltender Joel Hofer also cracked the list and like his other teammates mentioned, earned a ‘C’ rank as well. The 17-year-old native of Winnipeg, MB joined Swift Current as an undrafted free agent prior to training camp and won the job as backup goaltender entering the 2017-18 regular season. On the season, Hofer has posted steady numbers with a 1-1-0-0 record to go along with a .917 save percentage and a 2.58 goals against average.
View Full List of CHL Players listed on NHL Central Scouting ‘Players to Watch List’
The Broncos begin a three-in-three weekend on Friday, November 17th against the Medicine Hat Tigers at the Canalta Centre. Puck drop is slated for 8:30pm CT.
