January 16, 2005
Central Scouting Releases Mid-Term Rankings

The NHL's Central Scouting Service has released its mid-season rankings of the top players eligible for the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. The rankings list North American and European players separately, as well as separating goalies from skaters (forwards and defensemen).

Five future collegians and one current college player make up six of the top 30 players on the North American skaters list. Jack Johnson, a defenseman headed to Michigan next season, heads all college or college-bound players on the list at fifth among North American skaters. Jack Skille, a forward headed to Wisconsin who plays with Johnson at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, checks in at No. 9.

Cornell freshman defenseman Sasha Pokulok is the top-rated current college player at No. 30 among North American skaters. Vermont freshman Joe Fallon leads all current college goaltenders at No. 13 among North American goalies.

The North American lists rank 240 skaters and 40 goalies, all playing in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to college players the list features draft-eligible major junior players, as well as a number of college-bound high school, prep and junior players