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Cholowski rocketing up rankings

Chilliwack Chiefs defenceman Dennis Cholowski seems almost assured of becoming a National Hockey League draft pick this summer.

Chilliwack Chiefs defenceman Dennis Cholowski continues his climb up the list of draft eligible prospects.

The National Hockey League's Central Scouting Bureau released their mid-term rankings Tuesday. The 17 year old blueliner has made steady progress all year in the eyes of scouts, and is now listed No. 48 among all North American skaters.

Only Penticton's dynamic duo of Tyson Jost (No. 15) and Dante Fabbro (No. 18) rank higher than Cholowski, who started the year as a potential fourth to sixth round candidate.

By November he'd been assigned a B grade, indicative of second or third round potential, and the latest list solidifies his standing, placing him ahead of dozens of skaters from the major junior and U-S high school ranks.

Cholowski has already eclipsed his career highs in goals and should surpass his mark in points soon.

In 55 games last year he collected four goals and 27 points. Through just 32 games this year he's got five goals and 24 points.

He also helped Canada West to a gold medal win at the recent World Junior A Challenge.

Cholowski's Chiefs teammate, Kohen Olischefski, slots in at No. 131 on the latest CSB list followed by Kyle Betts of the Powell River Kings at No. 157 and Colin Grannary of the Merritt Centennials at No. 186.

This year’s NHL Entry Draft will be held June 24-25 at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY.

Find the entire list at nhl.com