OHL Draft: Brayden Degelas Won’t Last Long On Draft Day
When it comes to prospects wearing a Chatham-Kent Cyclones jersey this season, the list is long, but at the top of that list is Brayden Degelas.
When the OHL Draft kicks off June 4 and June 5, Brayden Degelas won’t last long. He’s certain to be an early round selection, and a cornerstone player for an OHL franchise.
Despite the hype, Degelas is more focused on getting stronger, and preparing for his step to the OHL.
“Leading up to the draft I have been trying to focus on what I can be doing to improve and training with Athletes Fuel to get in the best shape so I’m ready for training camp,” he explained of his offseason training in Chatham.
Still, as with any player in their U16 season, Degelas is anticipating the culmination of a lifelong dream of being draft. For the young star, who compiled 26 goals and 67 points in 43 regular season and playoff games in his U15 season, being drafted to the OHL would also be the continuation of a family legacy.
“It has been my life long dream to get drafted and play in the OHL. It would be a dream come true. My dad was drafted and so was my grandpa. It would be cool to have three generations of my family to be drafted.”
At 6’2″ and 190 lbs, the Blenheim product already has next level size, and as an Alliance All-Star, he has the skills to match.
Prior to the pandemic, Degelas had hoped to use those attributes to lead his Chatham-Kent Cyclones to an OHL Cup, in what was a tough season across Ontario.
“This season has been rough on all hockey players. It definitely was not the season I’d envisioned for my draft year,” he explained. “I thought we had a strong team this year and would have made it to the OHL Cup. We did try to make the best of our situation though, we had scrimmages when we could and I did get to play a few games against Sun County and Sarnia. I used the time to work on improving my game and working out to get me ready to play at the next level.”
And soon, when his name gets called, Brayden Degelas will have the chance to prove his hard work has paid off.
“I hope that I can prove to the team that I am a hard worker, I’m a passionate player and I have a willingness to get better. I think that my offensive ability, high hockey IQ, ability to adapt to the speed and style of a game, being a great teammate and leader can help the team I’m drafted to win games and championships.”
As a leader, Degelas was also quick to point out he’s not the only noteworthy Chatham-Kent Cyclones prospect.
“It has been great to be part of the Cyclones organization for the last 7 years. I have had the opportunity to have great coaches that have helped me and pushed me to get better. I have made great friends playing here and there is a core group that have been together all along. We have a great group of guys and they are all hard working and talented. I wish all the players the best of luck in the draft and am excited to see where this next step will take us.”
That next step will come in the early stages of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection Draft for Degelas. How early will he be selected? We’ll find out June 4 or June 5.