 When the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau releases its final player and goaltender rankings, it's either boom or bust for prospects awaiting June's Entry Draft. And for BCHL stars Zac Dalpe, Justin Schulz and Derek Grant, the sound of their draft stock exploding couldn't be much louder. Dalpe, the 26th rated North American skater when the mid-term rankings were released in January, has risen 10 spots to 16th, shedding any hint of doubt that he's a legitimate First Round pick. The Paris, Ontario native has built on a tremendous regular season campaign, playing a vital role in the Penticton Vees' extended postseason run. “It's really great and I'm excited for Zac,” Vees head coach Fred Harbinson said. “He's had a heck of a year and he's really put in the work. It's great news for him and it's good for our league.” Not to be outdone by Dalpe, Schulz and Grant made even greater leaps up the rankings. Schulz, the highly-skilled, smooth-skating Westside Warriors' defenceman, rose 18 spots in the rankings up to 38th while Grant, a breakout star with the Langley Chiefs this season, lept an astounding 66 spots to 40th. Five other BCHL'ers made the rankings, including three who weren't listed in January's mid-term evealuations. Langley forward Taylor Stefishen held steady at 84th while Burnaby Express sniper Brodie Reid made his debut in the rankings one spot later. “I'm feeling pretty good about where I'm at,” Stefishen said. “I thought I played pretty well down the stretch and it's a good position for me to be at. I'm just going to keep improving and spend most of my time preparing for next season (at Ohio State).” Nanaimo Clippers duo Eric Filiou and Russell Goodman are the other two players whose play warranted inclusion on the list for the first time. Filiou, the Interior Conference Rookie of the Year, and Goodman, a Colorado College-bound forward, were slotted in at 155th and 160th respectively. Rich Manley, ranked 170th at the midway point of the season, jumped seven spots to 163rd and gave the Express a second draft-likely forward. “The way I look at it, the BCHL gives players a great opportunity and it's outstanding news for Brodie and Rich,” Burnaby head coach Dave McLellan said. “Brodie really proved himself to be a prolific shooter and a great penalty killer down the stretch, and Rich was one of our best players towards the end of the year. He's got a big body and he really improved his compete level.” The good news for non-ranked BCHL'ers: Your name doesn't need to make the list for an NHL team to come calling. A year ago, Cowichan Valley Capitals' defenceman Corbin McPherson was drafted in the fourth round by the New Jersey Devils despite being ignored by Central Scouting. The 2008 NHL Entry Draft will take place in Ottawa on June 20th and 21st.
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