1985 Draft Final Rankings
 
 
 
*Note: The Central Scouting Rankings are based purely on the interpretation of statistics in the NJFHL, interpretation of real life history, and personal opinion.  In no way has the writer seen the ratings of the players or should the comments be interpreted to necessarily be accurate interpretations of the ratings the junior players have or will have.
Final Rank Mid-Season Rank Trend Player
1 4   Mike Richter - Goalie - Sudbury Wolves
For the first time in NFHL Central Scouting history, a goalie has ended the year as the #1 ranked prospect.  And in all due respect to Richter, it has more to do with the underwhelming seasons had by draft eligible forwards.  Richter, however, has still had a great season and has earned the #1 ranking.  Richter had the best GAA and save percentage of any starting goalie in this draft class during the regular season and followed that up by leading the Wolves to the Memorial Cup championship final before finally bowing out.  Yet he still had the second best GAA and save percentage in the playoffs, only bettered by the eventual champion, Daniel Berthiaume of the Saskatoon Blades.  With his 3 regular season shut outs, combined with his athleticism and drive, there is no doubt that Richter had the ability to lead a team and is certainly going to be a good to great goalie in the NFHL in the very near future.
   
2 9   Sylvan Lefebvre - Defense - Sudbury Wolves
    Sudbury players take up the top two positions in the rankings as they each dominated their positions.  Lefebvre was head and shoulders the best defenseman in the NJFHL this season, leading all blue liners in goals, assists, points, short handed goals, and shots, while ranking in the top five in plus/minus and hits, all while playing every single game.  And he followed that up with an even more dominating playoffs in which he increased his offensive output, while maintaining a solid defensive presence.  Whether or not he can bring this level of excellence to the NFHL is to be seen, but Lefebvre has shown that he can be a dominant blue liner in the NJFHL and is one of the most promising defensemen to come out of the league since Ray Bourque.
   
3 23   Brent Fedyk - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings
Though the Oil Kings bombed out in the first round of the playoffs, it wasn't because of Fedyk.  He scored better than a point per game in their 7-game elimination and was especially deadly on the power play.  Fedyk was third in goals scored this year by this draft class with just 26 goals, scoring 11 of them on the power play.  Fedyk isn't one to get involved too physically in the play, but he will go in the corners and isn't afraid to go to the tough areas to get his shot off, which he did frequently.  In other years, Fedyk would probably find himself as a late 1st round selection, but with the disappointing play of pre-season favourites such as Joe Nieuwendyk and Wendel Clark, Fedyk has established himself as a consistent performer and a safe pick for a team who may not want to take a high-reward, high-risk pick.
   
4 8   Daniel Berthiaume - Goalie - Saskatoon Blades
    Berthiaume has injected himself into the discussion on the best goalies in this very heavy goalie draft.  Berthiaume was thought to be a mid-second round choice, clearly outside the big 4 goalies of this draft when the season started.  Since then, though, he has arguable been the second best goalie and it has to be considered a 5-goalie draft now.  He may even be favourite after leading the Blades to the Memorial Cup, upsetting the top team in the league in the first round and only losing 5 games en route to the championship.  He also posted a save percentage just under .900 and a GAA just over 3.00 along the way.  His regular season numbers weren't nearly as gaudy, though he did finish second with 31 wins, as the Blades struggled in the second half of the season.  He was dynamite in the first half, though, and the playoffs proved that he is a money goalie.  Because he came out of nowhere, though, many GMs will discount his play as a one-year aberration, but Central Scouting believes he is the real deal.
   
5 11   Mike Keane - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Produced one of the best points per game ratios among forwards and contributed almost the same way in the playoffs.  Unlike some of the other forwards in the top grouping, Keane relishes the physical role, while still playing a smart, disciplined game.  Only a handful of forwards registered more hits than Keane, but his 85 PIMs ranked second best of anyone close to him in hits.  His 25 goals was 4th in the draft class with 9 of them scored with the man advantage.  He may find a role on a big club on the power play , fighiting for rebounds and causing general havoc in front of the net, but he will keep a job because of his physicality and defensive prowess.  If he can maintain his offensive production, he could find employment on a team's top two lines for years to come.
   
6 18   Bill Ranford - Goalie - Edmonton Oil Kings
    The Oil Kings were a mess at the halfway point of the season and Ranford's draft stock took a hit.  They were terrific in the second half and, despite an upset loss in the first round, Ranford proved that he is still one of the top goalies in this draft and has the potential to be a good #1 for an NFHL team.  Ranford was 20-6 in the second half of the season, lowering his GAA by a quarter point while increasing his save percentage by almost .10.  He did struggle in the playoffs, though, giving up more than 4.5 goals a game and a sub-0.865 save percentage, which does concern some scouts who look at how a goalie performs in pressure situations.  And it is surely a concern, but he also played lights-out in the pressure packed second half of the season and the Oil Kings' first round loss, and it was to the eventual Memorial Cup champs, wasn't completely his fault.  Still a definite top ten selection, though.
   
7 7   Derek King - Forward - Medicine Hat Tigers
King led all goal scorers with 33 this year, with almost half of them coming on the power play.  King also played all 60 games and finished with basically a point per game, showing his consistency.  He does play a hard game, relishing fighiting for the puck and dishing out hits with regularity.  There are concerns that he crosses the line too much and he does get caught taking ill-advised and sometimes lazy penalties on the backcheck.  His 308 PIMs were second most among forwards and almost double what any other forward with at least 50 points had, so scouts and managers have reason to be concerned. However, he is dynamic in the offensive end and loves to shoot the puck.  It would have been great to see how he responded to the playoff pressure, but his Tigers failed to make the post season, which may end up costing King a few draft positions.
   
8 13   Frederick Olausson - Defense - Ottawa 67's
    Olausson reinserts himselv in the top ten after a good second half of the season saw him finish tied for 2nd in blue line scoring.  Kept up his offensive production while getting a little grittier in his play in his own end.  Not to say he will be a physical force.  He is going to rely more on good positioning, quick sticks, and out smarting opposing forwards, rather than overwhelming them physically.  Fortunately, Olausson is showing all those traits thus far.  Olausson was also one of the few top blue line prospects to get extended time in the playoffs, where he performed admirably.  He had 9 points in 12 games, but was a disappointing -7 in Ottawa's run to the second round.  However, he was also much more physical, while still remaining potent offensively.  Clearly a step above other blue liners, outside of Lefebvre, in this draft class.
   
9 25   Wendel Clark - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings
The preseason #1 rockets back into the top ten.  Fans will love his tenacity and rough and tumble play.  Has a great shot, scoring 26 times, third in the draft class, and also leads all players with 136 hits, 34 more than the next player.  Also led all with a +31 rating.  Clark had a rough first half of the year, but his second half showed why he was the early pick to go #1.  And he could still go in the top five picks if there is a team who doesn't need a goalie and has time to develop Clark.  The post season showed his weaknesses, that being an inability to fight his way to the open spaces, and his short temper.  He scored just once and had only 4 points for the Kings, whiel taking 18 PIMs, though he remained physical.  But getting a physical player can be done late in the draft.  Getting a physical player who can contribute offensive on a regular basis gets you in the top ten.  Clark has shown glimpses, but not consistent enough.  But he is a high-risk, high-reward type of player for that type of team.
   
10 12   Calle Johansson - Defense - Shawinigan Cataractes
    Shawinigan didn't make the playoffs, but Johansson did all he could to prevent that.  Johansson was 3rd among blue liners with 14 goals, an tied for 2nd with 49 points to provide the Cataractes with a top flight offensive defenseman.  However, he didn't let down his defensive responsibilities, finishing with a +21 rating, tops among blue liners and 2nd overall.   Like his countrymen, Olausson, Johansson isn't a physical player, but he generally plays a smart game.  Desipte his offensive totals, he doesn't shoot as much as the other offensive defensemen, which he should rectify as he has a hard shot that cause a lot of rebounds and general chaos for goalies.  In the end, there isn't a lot to choose from between Olausson and Johansson, but Johansson suffers from a lack of testing in the playoffs.
   
11 10 Robert Kron - Forward - Kamloops Blazers
Falls out of the top ten despite recording second highest points per game average among forwards.  Good touch around the net and produces in all situations.  Didn't get any time in the post season and better production from blue liners hurts his position, but still showing he can be a valuable member of a team, whether it be offensive or defensive.
12 1 Brent Gilchrist - Forward - Kamloops Blazers
Another Blazer suffering from a lack of playoff exposure.  Shot still a weak point, but uses it often enough that he gets his goals, 21 this year.  Not enough to get a top ten player, though.  Solid power play contributor and gets his nose dirty when needed.  
13 22 Nelson Emerson - Forward - Medicine Hat Tigers
The top scorer in the draft class, Emerson made our mid-season comments look like prophecy as he did indeed lead all draft eligible players in assists and was hard pressed to score 20 goals (19).  Needs to work on his shot in a big way to make his speed that much more effective.  Getting more physical, though, which is a good thing.
14 5 Curtis Joseph - Goalie - Kamloops Blazers
While his save percentage and GAA were only slight worse than Richter, Joseph was not able to lead his team into the post season and that causes him to fall out of the top ten.  That being said, he will likely be drafted much higher by a team in need of a goalie to develop, but his play in the second half didn't warrant it.  But, as we said in the mid-season rankings, the raw talent to be a good goalie is there.
15 2 Craig Simpson - Forward - Ottawa 67's
Simpson only scored 9 goals in the second half of the season, though he rebounded with 5 in 12 post season games.  Despite finishing second in goals, he is still the top pure goal scorer and real power play threat.  Defensive issues and poor skating are issues to overcome, as is playing a better all around game.
16 24 Craig Wolanin - Defense - Edmonton Oil Kings
Blossomed as an offensive catalyst in the second half of the season and was actually 2nd in assists by a defenseman after Lefebvre.  Known more as a defensive defenseman, recorded a +20 rating, but would like to see a little more physicality.  His post season was underwhelming, recoding a solitary assist in 7 games, but showed a bit mroe intensity in his play, which should make scouts see him in a better light.
17 6 Sean Burke - Goalie - Medicine Hat Tigers
Burke continues his fall down the rankings.  Burke couldn't get his Tigers into the post season, going 7-13-4 in the second half, recording all 3 of his shut outs in the first half of the season.  His GAA rose almost a quarter point and his save percentage fell almost a tenth of a point.  Still has the potential to be a #1 goalie, but there are now significant dents in his armour and may not be a top ten pick, even if there are goalie-starved teams out there.
18 3 Brad Dalgarno - Forward - Saskatoon Blades
Injuries derailed Dalgarno's season.  Played in just 16 games in the second half and just 7 more in the playoffs, recording 23 points.  While still a point per game, it was a drastic reduction in production that had Dalgarno leading the league in scoring.  Still best points per game production, but now has to deal with the injury-prone stigma that may torpedo his chances at being a first round selection.
19 20 Joe Nieuwendyk - Forward - London Knights
Nieuwendyk is showing how he can be a clutch performer with his 6 game winning goals, but he still leaves scouts wanting more.  Has a great shot, though he doesn't use it enough.  Was consistent all season, which isn't necessarily good considering his first half play, but he was very good in the post season, though it lasted just 6 games.  Top five talent, but just not sure the will and drive is there.
20 16 Gord Hynes - Defense - Hull Olympiques
Had 12 goals at the break, but just 4 in the second half, but still more than enough to lead all blue liners, not named Lefebvre.  A booming shot makes him dangerous on the power play, but was also trusted with important minutes short handed.  However, was invisible in the playoffs and that could mean he falls out of the first round mix.
21 17 Max Middendorf - Forward - Shawinigan Cataractes
Third in goals, Middendorf proved to be almost unstoppable on the power play.  Terrific snap shot that can pick any corner with, he had 18 goals with the man advantage, more than 23 other draft eligible forwards had goals in total.  Draft stock harmed by undisciplined and often lazy play, especially in his own end, and a lack of post season experience.
22 27 Eric Weinrich - Defense - Hull Olympiques
Weinrich jumps into the first round with a consistent, heavy game, though needing work on his defensive coverage.  He was one of the few blue liners to play all 60 games and was second with 89 hits.  Also showed some offensive capabilities with 40 points on 7 goals and 33 assists.  Was a physical force in the playoffs, registering 18 hits in 5 games and putting up 2 assists in their opening round loss.
23 15 Randy Burridge - Forward - Medicine Hat Tigers
24 21 Kelly Buchberger - Forward - Ottawa 67's
25 41 Rudy Poeschek - Defense - Chicoutimi Cataractes
26 54 Kay Whitmore - Goalie - London Knights
27 34 Dave Manson - Defense - Hull Olympiques
28 30 Roger Johansson - Defense - Sudbury Wolves
29 28 Tim Sweeney - Forward - Saskatoon Blades
30 33 Lee Giffin - Forward - Ottawa 67's
31 35 Craig Duncanson - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
32 19 Tom Chorske - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings
33 44 Kelly Chase - Forward - Sudbury Wolves
34 14 Bruce Racine - Goalie - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
35 29 Steve Chiasson - Defense - Ottawa 67's
36 46 Scott Metcalfe - Forward - Medicine Hat Tigers
37 31 Benoit Hogue - Forward - Kamloops Blazers
38 32 Ken Priestlay - Forward - Saskatoon Blades
39 38 Randy McKay - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings
40 58 Robert Burakovsky - Forward - Chicoutimi Saguineens
41 74 Mike Berger - Defense - Sudbury Wolves
42 26 Ulf Dahlen - Forward - Kamloops Blazers
43 76 Bobby Reynolds - Forward - Chicoutimi Saguineens
44 36 Danton Cole - Forward - London Knights
45 37 Shane Churla - Forward - Shawinigan Cataractes
46 72 Guy Larose - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings
47 47 Steve Gottaas - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
48 40 Todd Richards - Defense - Kamloops Blazers
49 61 Pat Jablonski - Goalie - Ottawa 67's
50 52 Tommy Sjodin - Defense - London Knights
51 48 John Bryce - Forward - Chicoutimi Saguineens
52 39 Herb Raglan - Forward - London Knights
53 71 Jim Sandlak - Forward - Saskatoon Blades
54 55 Jose Charbonneau - Forward - Saskatoon Blades
55 51 Yvon Corriveau - Forward - London Knights
56 45 Jiri Latal - Defense - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
57 50 Dana Murzyn - Defense - Ottawa 67's
58 73 Paul Stanton - Defense - Edmonton Oil Kings
59 43 Tony Horacek - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings
60 79 Rob Murray - Forward - London Knights
61 70 Chris Luongo - Defense - Shawinigan Cataractes
62 75 David Latta - Forward - London Knights
63 66 Donald Dufresne - Defense - Ottawa 67's
64 78 Jeff Finley - Defense - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
65 42 Bill Houlder - Defense - Kamloops Blazers
66 57 Dan Vincelette - Forward - Medicine Hat Tigers
67 NR Jeff Serowik - Defense - Sudbury Wolves
68 63 Jason Lafreniere - Forward - Kamloops Blazers
69 67 John Druce - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings
70 59 Jamie Huscroft - Defense - Peterborough Petes
71 60 Bob Beers - Defense - Hull Olympiques
72 77 Myles O'Connor - Defense Ottawa 67's
73 68 Ken Baumgartner - Forward - Kamloops Blazers
74 80 Warren Rychel - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
75 64 Brad Lauer - Forward - London Knights
76 65 Alain Cote - Defense - Shawinigan Cataractes
77 53 Gord Murphy - Defense - Kamloops Blazers
78 69 Jim Paek - Defense - Hull Olympiques
79 84 Anssi Melamentsa - Forward - Hull Olympiques
80 81 Glen Seabrooke - Forward - Chicoutimi Saguineens
81 82 Dave Williams - Defense - Peterborough Petes
82 83 Dallas Eakins - Defense - Peterborough Petes
83 85 Troy Gamble - Goalie - Edmonton Oil Kings
84 56 Petr Praisler - Defense - Chicoutimi Saguineens
85 62 Hank Lammens - Defense - Medicine Hat Tigers
86 87 Dave Thomlinson - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings
87 NR Bryan McReynolds - Forward - Shawinigan Cataractes
88 86 Mario Brunetta - Goalie - Medicine Hat Tigers