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By Pete McIntyre/BCHL

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Six BCHL players chosen in 2024 NHL Draft

Jun 29, 2024 | 2:45 PM

The 2024 NHL Entry Draft wrapped up on Saturday and six BCHL players heard their names called, including four that played in the 2023-24 season, as well as another two committed to play in the league next year.

Logan Sawyer (F, Brooks Bandits) – Round 3 (78th overall) – Montreal Canadiens

Sawyer was the first BCHL player taken in this year’s draft. The Orangeville, Ont. product led the Alberta playoffs in scoring last year with 15 points in 12 games and was named postseason MVP, helping his Bandits claim the Alberta Cup, as well as the Rocky Mountain Challenge. In the regular season, he totaled 78 points in 59 contests.

He is committed to Providence College when his junior career is done.

Jack Pridham (F, West Kelowna Warriors) – Round 3 (92nd overall) – Chicago Blackhawks

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Pridham came in as the highest-ranked player by Central Scouting and did not have to wait too long on Day 2 of the draft to hear his name called. The Stouffville, Ont. native was named to the BCHL’s All-Rookie Team last year and was also a finalist for the league’s Rookie of the Year award after piling up 49 points in 54 games, tied for second among all rookies. He also had eight goals and 11 points in 10 playoff games.

He is set to return to West Kelowna next year, but has committed to Boston University beyond that.

Luke Ashton (D, Langley Rivermen) – Round 6 (165th overall) – Columbus Blue Jackets

Ashton was the first BCHL defenceman selected this year after being taken in Round 6 by Columbus. The 6-foot-6 blueliner spent three years in the league, the first two with the Vernon Vipers before joining Langley for 2023-24. Last year was his breakout season as he led all BCHL defenders with 18 goals in the regular season and finished with 36 points, seventh most at his position.

He is set to begin his college career next season at Minnesota State University.

Ben Merrill (F, Penticton Vees) – Round 6 (166th overall) – Montreal Canadiens

One pick after Ashton went at 165, the Canadiens scooped up Merrill, their second BCHL pick of the day, with the 166th selection. Merrill, who played high school hockey at St. Sebastian’s School last year, is committed to Penticton for 2024-25. In prep school, the 18-year-old put up 18 goals, 19 assists and 37 points in 25 games.

Merrill is committed to Harvard University when his junior career ends.

Matt Lahey (D, Nanaimo Clippers) – Round 7 (200th overall) – Toronto Maple Leafs

Lahey was the first BCHL player selected in the seventh round and the second defenceman from the league to hear his name called. From Victoria, B.C., Lahey had a breakout second year with the Clippers in 2023-24. After registering one assist in his rookie year, the 17-year-old had two goals and 17 assists last season.

He is committed to Clarkson University.

Austin Moline (D, Brooks Bandits) – Round 7 (205th overall) – Philadelphia Flyers

With the draft being held in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nev., Moline was the final BCHL player taken in this year’s draft and the second new recruit to hear his name called. Moline, who played prep school hockey for Shattuck St. Mary’s last season, put up 41 points in 57 games from the blueline. He will suit up for the Bandits to start the 2024-25 campaign.

Once his junior career ior all of the NHL draft picks, visit nhl.coms done, he will play NCAA Division I hockey at Northern Michigan University.

For all of the NHL draft picks, visit nhl.com.