Windsor Spitfires forward Kerby Rychel has been identified by NHL Central Scouting as a potential first round pick in next summer’s NHL Entry Draft. Rychel, 17, lead the Spitfires in scoring last season with 41 goals, 33 assists for 74 points. Kerby is the son of Windsor General Manager and former NHLer Warren Rychel.

PHOTO CREDIT - Tim Cornett, WindsorSpitfires.com

Windsor - September 19, 2012 - Windsor Spitfires forward Kerby Rychel has been identified by NHL Central Scouting as a potential first round pick in next summer’s NHL Entry Draft.

On Wednesday, NHL Central Scouting released it's preliminary list of players to watch in North America and Europe. The lists help scouts track the top draft-eligible players entering the 2012-13 season and are comprised of A, B and C players for the upcoming season in each of the major junior hockey leagues.

All "A" skaters have been identified as potential first-round picks, while "B" players are considered second- or third-round candidates. The players on the "C" list are thought to be fourth-, fifth- or sixth-round possibilities.

Rychel, 17, lead the Spitfires in scoring last season with 41 goals, 33 assists for 74 points. The Tecumseh native also notched 54 penalty minutes. Kerby is the son of Windsor General Manager and former NHLer Warren Rychel. Rychel who will turn 18 next month, will be relied on again this year to lead the Windsor offence.

The only other Spitfire to make today’s list was forward Jordan Maletta, who was identified as possible late round NHL pick. In his first OHL season last year, the St. Catharines product notched 20 points in 57 games.

Other Spitfires who have already been drafted include LW Ben Johnson (New Jersey Devils), C Michael Clarke (Colorado Avalanche), D Nick Ebert (Los Angeles Kings) and C Brady Vail (Montreal Canadiens).

The Windsor Spitfires will kick-off their 2012-13 Season on Thursday night when they play host to the Owen Sound Attack. Game time is 7:05 pm at the WFCU Centre in Windsor. The newest Spitfire, Emerson Clark will make his debut for the home team. Clark, was acquired today in a trade with the Oshawa Generals.