Kevin Guiltinan Ranked by NHL Central Scouting

"They have embraced my old-school style." Kevin Guiltinan

On Tuesday Spruce Kings defenceman Kevin Guiltinan found his name ranked among the top NHL Draft Eligible players for this summer's draft by NHL Central Scouting. An honour to be sure, but one that is deserved for this hard working young man from London Ontario.

Guiltinan came to the Prince George Spruce Kings via the Vernon Vipers after choosing to come to the BCHL to future his hockey career. I should point out that this is a career that is already far ahead of many other players at this point in their lives. Kevin secured a scholarship to Harvard University for the start of the 2014/15 season playing midget hockey for the Hill Academy Prep School in his home town.

This is a player that plays above his years and plays with an edge (that's a theme I've noticed with both Kevin and Jujhar). This is something that the teams and leagues that scour the BCHL looking for their next gem are looking for. Kevin is the first to admit that he isn't the most offensively gifted player on the blue line but his physical play and compete level doesn't allow very many other players to score when he's out there either.

I had a chance to talk to Kevin briefly after learning that the seventeen year old went from a 'C' rating with NHL Central Scouting to his much more prominent positing in the midterm rankings. There is still a long way to go before the NHL Draft and much more that Kevin wants to be able to show on the ice between now and then. Kevin knows this and has been drawing some tips from those on with the team that saw what Jujhar Khaira did last year to get drafted.

My conversation with Kevin demonstrates just how mature this teenager is and how prepared he is to make the sacrifices it is going to take to get to the next level.

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Here is the release from the Prince George Spruce Kings following the release of NHL Central Scouting 2013 Midterm Rankings among North American Skaters.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 15, 2013

PRINCE GEORGE, BC – Prince George Spruce Kings defenceman Kevin Guiltinan has been ranked by NHL Central Scouting in their mid season rankings of North American skaters eligible for 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Guiltinan is ranked 141st on the most recent list placing him as the third highest ranked defenceman and fifth among draft eligible players in the British Columbia Hockey League.

Guiltinan is a big powerful defenceman that has made an impact on the Spruce Kings blue line since being acquired from the Vernon Vipers earlier in the season. From London, Ontario, Guiltinan is a 6’ 03” 205 lbs seventeen year old BCHL rookie who has already secured a scholarship to Harvard University for the 2014-15 season.

"Kevin Guiltinan is a tremendous young man who plays the game the right way," said Spruce Kings General Manager, Mike Hawes. "He is very committed to the game and his team mates and is very deserving of being ranked by Central Scouting."

"It's very exciting for the organization to have another player ranked this season," added Hawes. "After the excitement of having Jujhar Khaira drafted by Edmonton last year, it is equally exciting that we may have a player drafted in back to back years."

"I'm not the most offensive player," admits Kevin Guiltinan. "I think what they like is my old-school style. I'm willing to do the little things, I'll go in front of pucks, I'll battle, I'll do anything for the team and I compete hard every game."

Prince George fans will have an opportunity to see Guiltinan's style once again this weekend when the Spruce Kings host Divisional rival, the Chilliwack Chiefs.

For more information contact the Spruce Kings office at 250.564.1747.