UND recruits line Central Scouting's preliminary watch list for 2024 NHL Draft
Oct. 26—GRAND FORKS — UND has eight committed recruits who will be eligible for the NHL Draft for the first time in June.
All eight landed on NHL Central Scouting Bureau's preliminary watch list for the 2023-24 season.
The headliner is forward Sacha Boisvert of the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the United States Hockey League.
Boisvert, a 2024 UND commit, is listed as an 'A' player, which means he's a potential first-round pick. He's one of 28 players who received 'A' ratings.
Boisvert has six goals and nine points in nine games to start the season for Muskegon. He had 45 points in 57 games last season.
Two UND commits received 'B' ratings, which means they're potential second- or third-round picks — defenseman E.J. Emery of the U.S. Under-18 Team and forward Will Zellers of Shattuck-St. Mary's.
Emery will come to campus next fall. Zellers will come in 2024 or 2025.
Three UND commits received 'C' ratings, which means they're potential fourth- or fifth-round picks — Warroad forward Carson Pilgrim, Moorhead defenseman Sam Laurila of the U.S. Under-18 Team and goaltender Caleb Heil of the Sioux Fall Stampede.
Two UND commits received 'W' ratings, which means they're potential sixth- or seventh-round picks or there's been limited scouting available on them — defenseman Keith McInnis of the Waterloo Black Hawks and forward Mac Swanson of the Fargo Force.
McInnis missed most of last season with an injury.
A pair of local players also ended up on Central Scouting's list.
Grand Forks native Bauer Berry, a defenseman for the Muskegon Lumberjacks, is listed as a potential sixth- or seventh-round pick. Berry has not made a college commitment.
Roseau native Noah Urness, a forward for the Cranbrook Bucks in the British Columbia Hockey League, also is listed as a potential sixth- or seventh-round pick. Urness is committed to St. Cloud State.
UND commits
A rating (potential first round)
F Sacha Boisvert, Muskegon Lumberjacks (2024)
B rating (potential second or third round)
D E.J. Emery, U.S. Under-18 (2024)
F Will Zellers, Shattuck-St. Mary's (2024 or 2025)
C rating (potential fourth or fifth round)
G Caleb Heil, Sioux Falls Stampede (2025 or 2026)
D Sam Laurila, U.S. Under-18 (2024 or 2025)
F Carson Pilgrim, Warroad High (2025)
W rating (potential sixth or seventh round)
D Keith McInnis, Waterloo Black Hawks (2025)
F Mac Swanson, Fargo Force (2024)
Local-area players
W rating (potential sixth or seventh round)
D Bauer Berry, Grand Forks, Muskegon (USHL), uncommitted
F Noah Urness, Roseau, Cranbrook (BCHL), St. Cloud State commit
