Cleve Dheensaw/ Times Colonist
SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 10:04 PM
There will be more than 200 NHL and NCAA scouts watching the annual B.C. Hockey League Bauer Showcase at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack this week, but it only takes one.
Indeed, you can only play for one team at a time.
“It only takes one scout and one coach to find your team and your place,” said Grizzlies veteran forward Ryan Nolan.
The Grizzlies meet the Merritt Centennials tonight at 7 and Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Friday (4:30 p.m.) in the Showcase, which also becomes a showcase of pressure for young players looking to make an impression on the scouts.
“You’ve just got to block that out — and not let that get to your head — and treat them like any other games,” said Grizzlies defenceman Carter Berger, who along with fellow blue-liner Nico Somerville will be drawing plenty of attention from scouts.
Those BCHL players without NCAA commitments will be looking to impress college scouts, while those who are NCAA-bound will be looking to put their best skate forward to the pro scouts. And some at a heady level, with Grizzlies forward Alex Newhook to be a subject of much attention as a projected first-round selection for the 2019 NHL draft. Newhook was ranked to go No. 15 overall in the first round by Bob McKenzie in his TSN pre-draft prediction show broadcast this week.
Victoria forward Alex Campbell is headed to Clarkson of the NCAA with whispers beginning of possible pro interest, as well, although not anywhere near Newhook’s status.
“I was never one of the top guys growing up and nothing changes now,” said Campbell.
“So I have nothing to lose but a lot to gain.”
Berger is an interesting case in that he has not yet committed to an NCAA team but skated in the Anaheim Ducks’ development camp in July as a free-agent invite.
So, both the NCAA and pro scouts will be charting him this week in Chilliwack.
“This is an opportunity for a lot of guys to showcase themselves,” Berger acknowledged.
“I want to make sure I make the right [NCAA] decision.”
The Ducks’ prospects camp experience proved invaluable for more than just what he learned on the ice.
“The biggest thing I took away from the Anaheim camp was learning the importance of what you do away from the rink — in terms of things like nutrition and [dryland] training — is as important as what you do on the ice,” said Berger.
One of the few players unaffected by the Showcase scouting circus is Grizzlies forward Riley Hughes. He is covered on both fronts — already drafted by the New York Rangers and committed to Northeastern of the NCAA.
But for pretty much every other player in the BCHL, this is a chance to show their wares in a one-stop shopping environment.
Not that this is new for the Grizzlies, who are considered among the elite of Canadian Junior A teams this season.
“We’re used to playing in front of scouts every night, especially because of the talent we have this year,” said Nolan.
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