Connauton Ranked by Central Scouting

The NHL Central Scouting Service released their preliminary rankings for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft today and the Western Michigan Broncos have one representative listed. Kevin Connauton was listed as a "C" player along with MSU's A.J. Sturges and BGSU's James McIntosh. Other CCHA players include "B" players Justin Florek from NMU and Brett Perlini from MSU as well as "Limited Viewing" players Stephen West of tOSU and Miami's Chris Wideman.

Connauton is having a great start to his WMU hockey career as he is tied with Tyler Ludwig for second on the team in points at 7 (2 goals, 5 assists). The 6'1" 185# defenseman has virtually solidified himself as a top 4 defenseman on the team and spends quality time on the power play as well. He is also one of the few players in positive figures in plus/minus with a team leading +2.

The NHL CSS preliminary rankings focus on players currently playing Major Junior, NCAA, and in Europe. That is why there is no mention college recruits like there was with the Players to Watch list last month. In January the CSS will release their Mid-Term Rankings, the first ranking of 2009 draft eligible players from all areas for this season.