OHL Adds U18 Draft

For the first time, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) will hold their traditional U16 draft, as well as a U18 OHL draft this spring.

“Midget hockey in Ontario features hundreds of talented players who continue to develop their game,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch in a league news release. “Working with our Minor Hockey partners, the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection will serve to assist in the continued growth of Midget hockey and provide further opportunities for players at different stages of their overall hockey development.”

To be eligible for the new draft, players must be currently carded by an Ontario Midget AAA team, and not on an OHL teams protected roster.

The inaugural Midget AAA U18 OHL draft will be comprised of 4 rounds, and take place Wednesday, April 12. The draft will be held online.

Chatham-Kent has not fielded a Major Midget ‘AAA’ team since the 1994 age group graduated from Minor Midget. Since then, local players have been forced to travel to Windsor or London, player Junior C, or drop down to ‘AA’.

Charing Cross’ Thomas Michaud is a prospect who may be considered by many OHL teams in this initial draft. Michaud, who also plays for the Windsor Jr. Spitfires, is scoring at nearly a point-per-game pace. Michaud captained the Chatham-Kent Cyclones Minor Midget AAA team last season.

Chatham’s Grant Spence, an Oshawa Generals OHL draft pick, also plays for the Windsor Jr. Spitfires Midget AAA team.