Three Blazers on NHL Central Scouting list

Apr 12, 2016 | 7:44 PM

KAMLOOPS — The NHL Central Scouting’s 2016 final rankings are out. Arizona native Auston Matthews, who’s the projected No. 1 overall draft pick for this June, remains at the top. But also on the list are three Blazers. 

Near the top of the list for North American goaltenders is Connor Ingram who’s ranked eighth. The 18-year-old had an outstanding season with 34 wins, a 2.61 goals-against average and franchise record .922 save percentage. He’s a big reason the Blazers finished third in the B.C. Division and pushed the Kelowna Rockets to seven games in the first round.

Also on the list is 17-year-old defenseman Ondrej Vala. The Czech is ranked 102nd among North American skaters, and 17-year-old Garrett Pilon is 109th after a breakout season that saw him score 15 goals and 32 assists.