National Hockey League's Central Scouting Service recently released its preliminary ranking of North American skaters in anticipation of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Twelve players currently with the U.S. National Under-18 Team were named, as well as two National Team Development Program alumni.

Forward J.T. Compher (Northbrook, Ill.) led the way for Team USA, ranking first among all United States Hockey League skaters. Compher has seen action in six games, scoring two goals and adding one assist. He has missed the majority of the season due to injury.

Hudson Fasching (Burnsville, Minn.) came in at third on the preliminary list. The forward has four goals and six assists in 19 games this season. He is followed closely by Steven Santini (Mahopac, N.Y.), who is ranked fourth overall and second among defensemen. Santini has collected seven assists in 21 games.

Netminder Hunter Miska (North Branch, Minn.) ranked fifth among goaltenders. He has posted a 4-4-1 (W-L-OTL) record this season with a 3.45 goals-against average and .846 save percentage. For a full list of NTDP player rankings, see below.

Former NTDP blueliner, Seth Jones (Plano, Texas/2010-12), whom many project to be one of the top two picks in New Jersey, came in first among Western Hockey League skaters. Now with the Portland Winterhawks, Jones captained the U.S. National Under-18 Team to a gold medal win at last year's International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Under-18 Championship in the Czech Republic.

Also recognized in the rankings was Ryan Hartman (West Dundee, Ill./2010-12). After two years with the NTDP, the forward moved on to skate with the Ontario Hockey League's Plymouth Whalers. He is ranked 11th.

CSS Preliminary 2013 North American Rankings

United States Hockey League
1. J.T. Compher - Forward - USNTDP
3. Hudson Fasching - Forward - USNTDP
4. Steven Santini - Defense - USNTDP
5. Keaton Thompson - Defense - USNTDP
7. Michael McCarron - Forward - USNTDP
12. Tyler Motte - Forward - USNTDP
14. Sean Malone - Forward - USNTDP
17. Connor Clifton - Defense - USNTDP
19. Evan Allen - Forward - USNTDP
20. Will Butcher - Defense - USNTDP
LV. John Hayden - Forward - USNTDP

5. Hunter Miska - Goalie - USNTDP

Western Hockey League
1. Seth Jones - Defense - Portland

Ontario Hockey League
11. Ryan Hartman - Forward - Plymouth