We told earlier this week that the North Bay Battalion had four players in the NHL Central Scouting mid-term rankings.

The list includes Luke Burghardt at 153rd.

He has 51 points in 46 games and plays on a line with Justin Brazeau and Matthew Struthers.

Coach Stan Butler says a change of scenery has helped Burghardt.

“When you allow him to play on the wing and free flow and do his thing. He’s playing with two responsible guys and that combination has allowed him to rack up some good numbers,” Butler says.

Burghardt was acquired from Guelph in the off season.

Brazeau is ranked at 141 and Struthers at 108.

Defenseman Adam Thilander is ranked 155th.

Butler is pleased with the Swedish defenders play of late.

“He’s getting more comfortable and he’s starting to show the skills I saw at the Ivan Hlinka when I saw him play. He’s been doing a really good job for us. He’s stepped it up and he’s playing good hockey for us right now,” he says.

Butler points out three of the four players are 19 while Struthers is 18.

Brazeau is fourth in the OHL in goals, with 29, and is tied for the lead in power play markers with 13.

 

Photo by Terry Wilson /OHL Images