2014 NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: UW recruit Jack Dougherty ranked in top 30

The NHL Central Scouting Service has released its final rankings for the 2014 season and Wisconsin recruit Jack Dougherty earned high praise. The future Badger was ranked as the No. 30 North American skater, which places him on the bubble for the first or second round of the 2014 draft when goaltenders and European skaters are added to the mix.

Dougherty is a defenseman for the U.S. NTDP U18 team and was recently selected to represent the U.S. at the upcoming U18 world championships. Dougherty is coming to Wisconsin in the fall and is expected to play a large role for the Badgers right out of the gates.

Also ranked fairly high by Central Scouting was defenseman Matthew Berkovitz. The Ashwaubenon, Wis., native was ranked as the No. 61 North American skater. Berkovitz is currently scheduled to spend a year in the USHL with the Chicago Steel before coming to Madison in 2015.

Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) forward Seamus Malone was also ranked by Central Scouting, checking in at No. 180. Malone will spend one more season in the USHL before joining the Badgers in 2015.

Former Wisconsin recruit Christian Dvorak checked in at No. 71 on the list. Dvorak backed out of his commitment to the Badgers to sign with the London Knights of the OHL. Dvorak missed the majority of the 2013-14 season after he tore his ACL.

Also noteworthy was the inclusion of Eau Claire Memorial winger Jake Bresser, who was ranked No. 185. Bresser was named the Wisconsin high school player of the year this season after putting up monster numbers for the Old Abes.

For more hockey coverage, follow Andy on Twitter -- Follow @AndyJohnsonB5Q
You can also reach Andy via e-mail (AndyJohnsonB5Q@gmail.com)