Draft tracker: 5 questions with Mike Winther, Prince Albert Raiders

Prince Albert Raiders centre Mike Winther has been on fire over the past two months. The 18-year-old has notched an outstanding 16 goals and 27 points over his last 18 games, including a and five-point night against the Regina Pats in early December.

Most would gloat over this hot scoring streak, but instead, Winther chooses to be modest and humble by crediting his teammates for his success.

"A lot of my success has to go to my linemates," says Winther. "[Justin] Maylan has really helped me and [Brandon] Herrod as well before he got traded [to Western Conference-leading Kamloops]. Also being my draft year there's a bit pressure knowing I have to prove I have what it takes to get to the next level."

Winther's recent scoring surge has undoubtedly boosted his draft rankings. NHL's Central Scouting Service's midterm draft rankings placed the Trochu, Alta., native 26th among North American skaters.

"There are a lot of reasons for Winther climbing the rankings," says Rick Jackson, Western based scouted for Central Scouting. "His all-around game is improving as the year moves along. I really like how he is a very smart player in the offensive zone and is always on the right side of the puck around the net. He also has a very quick release, his skating is very good, and he is hard to knock off the puck when he gains control."

Even though his draft rankings are on a bright note, Winther chooses to stay away from independent scouting service's draft rankings.

"I don't really take any stock in those rankings," says Winther. "I just tend to not look into that stuff too much. At the end of the day those aren't the guys who draft you anyways. There are a lot of games to be played and I just want to continue to get better."

Since Winther only scored 10 points last year, his impressive sophomore season has been one of the Dub's pleasant surprises — to the majority of people who watch the league closely, if not himself.

"I'm not surprised by how the season has gone for me," says Winther, who has 24 goals and 42 points in 47 games. "Being my draft year, I knew this would be a big year for me. Before the year I set goals to improve all areas of my game. Consistency was the major thing I wanted to improve this year. I also knew I'd have to show I can score. I set a goal for 30 goals this year."

Playing in a small-market organization like Prince Albert makes it more of a challenge for Winther to get on the radar. Nevertheless, the 5-foot-11, 170-pounder will get some exposure soon enough. Winther will play in next week's CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Kelowna, B.C., after being added as an injury replacement.

1. The Raiders have really struggled this year (last in the Eastern Conference with a 15-30-1-2 record). What do you think has gone wrong?

"Our consistency has been the biggest problem for us. We aren't coming to the rink ready to play every game."

2. How would you describe yourself as a player?

"I'd say I'm a skilled, speedy forward. I'd also say I'm someone who can be counted on in his own end."

3. Do you try and model your game after a player in the NHL?

"I try and play like Mike Modano. You know he's a former Prince Albert Raider, so there's a connection there. He was a speedy, skilled forward and that's a type of player I try and be like."

4. Who's your favourite NHL team?

"I'm a big fan of the Edmonton Oilers. Since I was younger I've always been an Oilers fan."

5. Who are your favourite bands and/or songs to listen to before a game?

"I like heavy metal like Metallica. For Whom the Bell Tolls is probably my favourite song to listen to."

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen (image credit WHL.ca).