2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection: Everything You Need to Know
Today, the Ottawa 67’s will have the opportunity to add the next chapter to the Barber Poles’ future at the 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.
The OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was introduced in 2017 with the support of Hockey Canada’s Ontario branches, including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO). The draft was created to support the growth of U18 AAA hockey and provide additional opportunities for players who develop later in their hockey careers. This year, no fewer than 40 players born in 2008 and 2009 will be chosen from across the province.
Selection Process
The Under-18 Priority Selection consists of two rounds, with each OHL team required to make two selections. Teams that choose a goaltender in either of the first two rounds are eligible to make an additional selection in a third round.
Eligibility
The OHL Under-18 Priority Selection allows teams to select U18 players who were not previously chosen in the OHL Priority Selection and meet league eligibility requirements. Eligible players include U18 AAA players who are not currently on an OHL Member Team Protected List and were registered with an Ontario-based U18 AAA program within the OHF, HEO, or HNO during the 2025-26 season.
Links
2025 U18 Priority Selection Results.
2026 U18 Priority Selection Tracker.
2026 U18 Priority Selection: Picks Recap [coming soon]
Follow the Ottawa 67’s in real time through the 2026 U18 OHL Priority Selection via our social media channels.
