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Alex Young hopeful to be back on NHL scouting list

"Alex is a guy that always rises to the occasion. He goes to Russia and he’s the player of the tournament, he goes to the prospects game and he’s player of the game. He is such a dynamic player and he doesn’t rely on anyone else to do his work."

CANMORE – Alex Young is having a year.

The 18-year-old Calgary product was recently named the player of the game in the CJHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 14, in Hamilton, Ont.

“It’s a honour to be recognized like that especially playing against the best junior A players in Canada,” said Young.

Already committed to attend New York's Colgate University, Young scored a pair of goals and added one assist in front of the watchful gaze of scouts from all 31 NHL teams as Team West won 6-4.

“It was nerve wrecking having the scouts watch everything you do, but hopefully the way I’ve played will prove to the scouts that I can play. I haven’t had as much contact from them this year compared to last year, but I hope that it will pick up after this.”

In August, Young represented Team Alberta at the World Junior World Cup in Sochi, Russia. He helped his side to a silver medal and was also named the tournament’s best forward.

In December, Young dawned the Maple Leaf sweater for Team Canada West at the Junior A Challenge in Dawson Creek, B.C., in 42 games this season he has 65 points, averaging 1.5 points per game. This season he is on pace to beat last year's totals in fewer games.

“Alex is a guy that always rises to the occasion. He goes to Russia and he’s the player of the tournament, he goes to the prospects game and he’s player of the game. He is such a dynamic player and he doesn’t rely on anyone else to do his work,” said Eagles head coach Andrew Milne.

Last season, Young was included on the NHL Central Scouting Players to Watch List after a hot start to the season, but was taken off the list about two months later. The day after being taken off the list, in his next game Young scored four goals.

One of Milne’s favourite qualities of Young’s game is his versatility. He said Young is an adaptable player and can commit to playing whatever type of role is needed, whether it be a speed game, a physical game, or a skilled game. Since the start of 2019, Young’s name has not been included on the NHL’s scouting list, but Milne is convinced he will be named to the list before the 2020 NHL Draft thanks to his impressive play this campaign.

“I’d be shocked if he isn’t back on the list. I don’t see how somebody doesn’t draft Alex. He can do everything that you can possibly do. From leading the team in scoring, to leading the Russia series playing at the World Junior A Challenge, leading the prospects game – he’s poised to have success at the next level when he goes to college next year. I think he would be a steal in the draft,” Milne said.

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