Wednesday notes

CSS RANKINGS
The final CSS Rankings for the 2013 NHL Draft were released today. Defenseman Seth Jones of the Portland Winterhawks is #1 on the list followed by our two favourite players Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin who are #2 and #3 respectively of North American skaters. Darnell Nurse (SSM Greyhounds) and Sean Monahan (Ottawa Senators) round out the top 5. Zach Fucale is ranked as the #1 North American goalie. William Carrier of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles was also named on the list at #18.

Halifax Mooseheads players on list:
#2 - Nathan MacKinnon
#3 - Jonthan Drouin
#114 - Matt Murphy
#164 - MacKenzie Weegar

New Jersey is the host of the 2013 NHL Draft which will be held on June 30th.

UNDER 18
Twenty-three of the Canadian Hockey Leagues best players from teams not currently in the playoffs are over in Sochi for the IIHF U-18 World Championships. They are highlighted by Connor McDavid who is a 16 year old rookie forward with the Erie Otters. He's been impressing scouts all over the place, which led the OHL to give him Exceptional Player status to be drafted a year earlier. He won't be NHL draft eligible until 2015 but in his first year with Erie, he racked up 66 points in 63 games. He has continued that success in Russia during the tournament having recorded 11 points in Canada's first four games. His 3 power play goals and assist on Tuesday led to a 6-0 shutout win over Sweden to clinch first place in their group. They will now play Czech Republic in the quarter finals. Russia won the other group and will play Germany, while the other two will be Finland versus Switzerland and Sweden versus USA. The quarter final games will be played on Thursday.

MATTEAU
New Jersey Devils prospect Stefan Matteau reportedly travelled back on a fan bus to Blainville from Baie-Comeau after the Armada's 2-1 loss on Saturday. It was reported that he had quit the team after the game. He has since been released by the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada for his actions.

UNDEFEATED
The Halifax Mooseheads are the only undefeated team now in the CHL playoffs after winning in overtime last night. Baie-Comeau lost their game last night 3-0 so they are now 10-1. The Moose are now one win away from their third straight sweep and a berth in the QMJHL final. They can wrap it up tomorrow night in Rouyn-Noranda.