Men's Ice Hockey 10/26/2026 4:38:00 PM

Tri-City's Smith, Sokolov, Ernewein make NHL Central Scouting Preliminary Players to Watch List

KEARNEY, Neb. – Tri-City Storm forwards Jackson Smith, Aleksandr Sokolov, and Cooper Ernewein have qualified for NHL Central Scouting's (NHLCS) Preliminary Players to Watch List.

The list, released Monday, names the top draft-eligible prospects for next summer's 2027 NHL Entry Draft. NHLCS is a bureau of the National Hockey League. The list will be updated throughout the season.

Smith (3-10-13, 11 games) has broken out early in his USHL rookie season. The Chicago, Illinois native leads the Storm roster and places second among USHL rookies in points (13) while leading all league rookies in assists (10). Smith additionally has recorded five power play points to rank third among USHL rookies.

Smith was one of 28 USHL players to receive a "C" rating or above. "C" rated skaters are projected to be fourth or fifth-round selection candidates in next summer's NHL Draft according to NHLCS.

Sokolov (9-3-12, 11 games) has also strung together a memorable start to his campaign. The Brown University commit put up six goals in his first four Storm games this fall. Sokolov's nine total goals this season tie for second-most among USHL players. The Murom, Russia native additionally ties for third on the Storm roster in points per game (1.09) and places fourth in rating (+11).

Sokolov received a "W" rating on the NHLCS list, indicating he is a candidate for a sixth or seventh round selection this summer.

Ernewein (4-4-8, 10 games) is competing in his second year at Tri-City. The 2008-born player has tabulated three multi-point games during 2026-2027, including a career-high three-point game against Omaha on October 16. Ernewein recorded one multi-point effort in 51 appearances last season.

A Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native, Ernewein additionally received a "W" rating on the NHLCS list.

A total of 55 USHL players qualified for the list.

The 2027 NHL Entry Draft is scheduled for Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26 at a location to be announced.

Tri-City hosts Chicago in a two-game series this weekend at Viaero Center. Friday's puckdrop is slated for 7:05 pm. Saturday's contest will start at 6:05 pm.

Friday begins with trick-or-treating on the Viaero Center concourse from 6:00 pm until puckdrop at 7:05 pm. Children in costume will receive free admission to Friday's game. The Storm thank all local community partners who will be on-site to pass out candy.

Saturday, the Storm are set to put on an adult costume contest. Saturday's game also features drink specials and a post-game skate.

To purchase tickets to this weekend's games, visit stormhockey.com.

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Players Mentioned

#14 Cooper Ernewein: F; 6' 0"; Sophomore; L

#15 Jackson Smith: F; 6' 2"; Redshirt; R

#29 Aleksandr Sokolov: F; 6' 2"; Redshirt; R

Players Mentioned

#14 Cooper Ernewein
: 6' 0"; Sophomore; L
: F

#15 Jackson Smith
: 6' 2"; Redshirt; R
: F

#29 Aleksandr Sokolov
: 6' 2"; Redshirt; R
: F

Players Mentioned

#14 Cooper Ernewein

#15 Jackson Smith

#29 Aleksandr Sokolov

Players Mentioned

#14 Cooper Ernewein

#15 Jackson Smith

#29 Aleksandr Sokolov