The OHL Priority Draft is an annual event where all 20 teams in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) select players eligible for the draft. The draft takes place in June, with the order of selection determined by the teams' records from the previous season.
Top Prospects for the 2021 Draft:
Here are some of the top prospects for the 2021 OHL Priority Draft:
1. Wyatt Johnston (Centre, Peterborough Petes)
Johnston is a skilled and versatile forward who can play both centre and wing. He has excellent puck-handling skills and vision, and he's a strong skater. He's also a good playmaker and a threat to score from anywhere on the ice.
2. Ethan Del Mastro (Defenceman, Mississauga Steelheads)
Del Mastro is a big, strong defenceman who can move the puck well. He's a good skater and a good defender. He's also a physical presence on the ice, and he can be a valuable asset on the power play.
3. Ty Voit (Centre, Sarnia Sting)
Voit is a skilled playmaking centre who can also score goals. He has excellent puck-handling skills and vision, and he's a good passer. He's also a good skater and a good defender.
4. Lucas Karmiris (Defenceman, Guelph Storm)
Karmiris is a big, strong defenceman who can play a physical game. He's a good skater and a good defender. He's also a good passer and can be a valuable asset on the power play.
5. Denver Barkey (Centre, Guelph Storm)
Barkey is a skilled, two-way forward who can play both centre and wing. He has good puck-handling skills and vision, and he's a good skater. He's also a good playmaker and a threat to score from anywhere on the ice.
Factors Affecting Draft Rankings:
There are a number of factors that can affect a player's draft ranking, including:
- Skill and Talent: A player's raw skill and talent are obviously the most important factor.
- Size and Strength: Size and strength are important factors in hockey, especially at the OHL level.
- Hockey Sense: A player's hockey sense is their ability to read the play and make smart decisions.
- Potential: A player's potential is their ability to improve and develop in the future.
- Scouting Reports: Scouts evaluate players at various levels of hockey and provide reports on their strengths and weaknesses.
The OHL Priority Draft is a major event in the development of young hockey players. It's a chance for players to showcase their skills and be selected by a team in the OHL. The 2021 draft is expected to be one of the deepest in recent years, with a number of talented players available.