OHL set for 2019 Under-18 Priority Selection

The third annual OHL Under-18 Priority Selection is set to commence at 7:00pm on Wednesday April 10, 2019, where no fewer than 40 players born in 2001 and 2002 will be chosen from Midget AAA programs from across the province.

“There is no specific timeline on the development of a hockey player,” said Joe Birch, OHL Senior Director of Hockey Development and Special Events. “The OHL Under-18 Priority Selection benefits players who have taken advantage of Midget AAA programs to further their overall hockey development.”

Here’s everything else you need to know about the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection:

History:

The concept for the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed in 2017 with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), to assist in the growth of Midget hockey and provide further opportunities for players at different stages of their hockey development.

Former 67’s OHL U18 Draft Picks to have played in the OHL:

Seva Losev (Ottawa 67’s, 46th overall 2017)

Jesse Dick (Ottawa 67’s, 6th overall 2018)

Players Eligible for Selection:

All Midget players not currently on a CHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with a Midget AAA Hockey Club within the OHF, HNO, or HEO in the 2018-19 playing season are eligible for selection in the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection.

Once selected, players will be added to a separately designated Under-18 Priority Selection protected list, distinct from the 50-man protected list for players selected in the OHL Priority Selection or committing to OHL member teams as free agents.

Selection Procedure:

The Under-18 Priority Selection Process is capped at two rounds with each OHL Member Team required to select two players.

The order of selection is determined through the final standings at the conclusion of the 2018-19 playing season with the non-playoff teams selecting first, determined by inverse order of finish followed by all other teams with the selection position determined by inverse order of finish.

The Kingston Frontenacs will select first overall, followed by the Flint Firebirds, Erie Otters, Barrie Colts, and the Windsor Spitfires rounding out the top five selections.

Goaltender Policy:

Should a Member Team select a goalie with one of their two selections, the Club has the option to select another player (skater only).  There will be an additional round added to the Under-18 Priority Selection to facilitate the drafting of the additional skater utilizing the same selection order and process.

General Rules of Selection:

OHL Member Teams may utilize a maximum of five minutes to select a player through the duration of the Under-18 Priority Selection.

Each OHL Member Team will have the opportunity for one two minute timeout during the Under-18 Priority Selection.