Bouwmeester tops draft rankings

TORONTO (AP) -- Defenseman Jay Bouwmeester was the top North American skater in the NHL's final rankings of draft-eligible players released Thursday.

The 6-foot-3 1/2, 206-pound Bouwmeester's 61 points for the Medicine Hat Tigers ranked third among Western Hockey League defensemen. He scored 12 goals.

The 2002 draft is in Toronto on June 22-23.

The Florida Panthers have the No. 1 overall pick, followed by Atlanta, Columbus, Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh.

The final rankings, compiled by the NHL's Central Scouting Service, list the top 180 skaters and 30 goaltenders in North America, and the top 150 skaters and nine goaltenders in Europe.

Rick Nash, a left wing for the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights, was rated No. 2. He had 32 goals and 40 assists in 54 games.

Boston University defenseman Ryan Whitney was the top-rated U.S.-born prospect at No. 3, followed by forward Joffrey Lupul and right wing Scottie Upshall.

Jeff Deslauriers of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Chicoutimi Sagueneens was the top-ranked North American goalie.

The top European skater is Joni Pitkanen of Finland, and the continent's top goalie is Kari Lehtonen of Finland.

 

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