The 2014 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection took place yesterday. 300 young men were drafted among 20 member teams. The Otters made 16 selections, some of whom we may potentially see in Erie next season.
These are the sixteen players the Otters drafted yesterday.
Taylor Raddysh, RW, Toronto Marlboros, first round, 19th overall.
Taylor is the brother of current Otters D Darren Raddysh. Taylor stood out on the famous Marlboros squad this season, netting 25 goals and adding 27 assists for a total of 52 points over 31 games this past season. He led the OHL Cup tournament in scoring with 14 points (five goals, nine assists) en rout to the Marlboros championship.
Taylor Raddysh, seen here with Don Cherry, helped lead the Marlboros to the OHL Cup championship.
The Marlboros have produced a ton of talent over the past few years, including current Otters Connor McDavid, Connor Brown, Adam Pelech, Dylan Strome, Darren Raddysh, and Michael Curtis. The team has also produced current NHL talent including John Tavares, Sam Gagner, and Ryan Strome,
Taylor has all the tools to continue the success of Marlboros alumni in the OHL.
Jake Lawr, G, Halton Hurricanes, second round, 28th overall.
The Otters are preparing for the day Oscar Dansk leaves for the professional ranks. With Devin Williams and Daniel Dekoning already in the fold, Lawr could be the third man for awhile. At 6’2″, he has the size to cover the net. If he has another growth spurt, that could be huge in boosting his potential. He has been one of the top goaltenders in his age group this season.
Of course, just who ends up between the pipes is unpredictable at this level of hockey. Many goaltenders drafted to the OHL never play a game whether it be a lack of talent or choosing a different path to the pros. It will be interesting to see how Lawr develops as he grows.
Shaun Bily, C, New Jersey, third round, 45th overall.
Bily is a Pennsylvania native who has speed, which is becoming more important in the OHL. Bily was the only American taken by the Otters in the draft.
Kyle Maksimovich, LW, Toronto Marlboros, third round, 59th overall.
The brother of current Otters F Quentin Maksimovich, Kyle is a winger with a ton of skill. He had 24 goals and 34 assists over 33 games for the Marlboros this season. In the OHL Cup, he had two goals and eight points. Kyle is projected to be a top-line player but his size is what sent him down in the draft. He stands only 5’6″. However, if he hits a growth spurt, he has the potential to become one of the top players in the OHL in the future.
Mitchell Byrne, D, Toronto Jr. Canadiens, fifth round, 85th overall.
Byrne had five goals and 23 assists in 33 games with the Jr. Habs this past season.
Taylor Egan, D, Ottawa Valley, sixth round, 119th overall.
Egan had five goals and 21 assists with the Titans last season. He can quarterback the power play and shows a great offensive mind.
Riley MacRae, RW, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs, seventh round, 130th overall.
MacRae had seven goals and fifteen assists with the Jr. Bulldogs this past season. Has the potential to be a power forward in the OHL, much like Joel Wigle.
Zack Hoffmann, D, Clarington Toros, seventh round, 139th overall.
Hoffmann had eight goals and 17 assists with the Toros last season. Offensive minded defensman but can play well in both ends.
Jack Gill, RW, Upper Canada Cyclones, eighth round, 159th overall.
Gill had eight goals and 18 assists with the Cyclones this past season.
Cole Evans, D, Vaughan Kings, ninth round, 179th overall.
Evans had no goals and seven assists with the Kings last season. Has great size and plays smart defense.
Jordan Sambrook, D, South Central Coyotes, tenth round, 199th overall.
Sambrook had five goals and thirteen assists with the Coyotes this past season. Is a d-man who likes to join the rush. Comparable to Adam Pelech.
Christian Girhiny, LW, Southern Tier Admirals, eleventh round, 219th overall.
Girhiny had nine goals and 10 assists with the Admirals this past season.
Holdyn Lansink, LW, Huron Perth Lakers, twelfth round, 239th overall.
Lansink had 16 goals and 13 assists in 31 games with the Lakers this past season. Hard worker.
Bailey Newton, D, Halton Hurricanes, thirteenth round, 259th overall.
Newton had one goal and six assists with the Hurricanes this past season. Defensive-defenseman.
Colton Point, G, North Bay Trappers, fourteenth round, 279th overall.
Noah Tooke, D, London, fifteenth round, 299th overall.
Images from the GTHL were used in this article.
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