Penticton Vees’ defenceman Griffin Mendel is one of three BCHL players to make the NHL Central Scouting’s Players to Watch List, which was released Tuesday. Mendel is listed as a ‘C’ prospect for the upcoming NHL Draft in June. Also listed as ‘C’ prospects are Langley defenceman Alec Kapstick and Powell River forward Kyle Betts.
The players to watch list is Central Scouting’s compilation of top prospects from all the major development leagues throughout North America and Europe. The list is updated throughout the season as scouts travel to see the players live.
The 29 players on the list with “A” ratings are considered potential first-round picks. Players with “B” ratings are considered possible second- or third-round choices, and those with “C” ratings are potential fourth-, fifth- or sixth-round selections.
Though pointless through eight games, Mendel has been a key shutdown defenceman, who has been a possession driver for the Vees. The rear-guard has a Corsi For percentage of 58.4 percent; well above an average score of 50.
Mendel and the Vees host the Merritt Centennials on Friday night, in a weekend home-and-home set. The two teams face-off again Saturday night at Nicola Valley Memorial Arena in Merritt.
