Data Validation - Ignoring Blank Cells in Drop Down List

I am an Excel novice and would appreciate some help.

I have an excel file with 2 worksheets. I have created a data validation list, and everytime you select one of the name it removes from the list.

Problem i'm running into is my name range is going to change everytime. So the drop down menu will have a lot of blank spaces to select, because my name range can go from 15 to 150.

Is there a way I can create the drop down list whilst ignoring any blank cells or 0's?

Data Validation criteria
=OFFSET(players!$C$1,0,0,COUNTA(players!$C$1:$C$6)-COUNTBLANK(players!$C$1:$C$6),1)

I have included images to indicate what I am trying to do. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.