Generals core three approach 2024 NHL Draft after Combine weekend
Oshawa, Ont. – A trio of Oshawa Generals have been deemed as draft-eligible players and are set for the 2024 NHL Draft held at the Sphere in Las Vegas on June 28-29.
The Combine, which ran from June 3-8, gave the 32 NHL teams physical and medical assessments of the top prospects ahead of the Draft at the KeyBank Center and LECOM Harborcentre in Buffalo, N.Y.
Beckett Sennecke, Ben Danford, and Luca Marrelli were invited to the 2024 NHL Combine and results in each category can be found here.
Beckett Sennecke
After his second season with the Oshawa Generals, Sennecke has emerged as one of the most talented wingers in the Ontario Hockey League and a top NHL Draft-eligible player.The 6’3 forward finished 63 games in the 2023/24 season with 68 points and 22 points in 16 playoff games. Sennecke’s main assets that make him a stand-out player include his stick-handling control, flawless edge work, and effective vision for smart playmaking.
Sennecke is known to be at the right place at the right time, both offensively and in the defensive zone. When he gets a hold of the puck, his advanced vision for finding lanes allows him to seamlessly glide through his opponents. Sennecke has controlled the offensive front of the Generals, especially when paired with Colorado Avalanche prospect and linemate, Calum Ritchie.
Ben Danford
Danford has been one of the top defensive defencemen in the Ontario Hockey League this season in just his second year. He has shown to players, fans, scouts, and coaches why he deserves his ice time as he is known for his smart playmaking, vital shot-blocking, and strong gap control. He also uses his size and stability to be aggressive along the boards with hip-checks and one-on-one battles.
The 6’3 blueliner carries the puck with confidence and makes notable passes and plays for his teammates. Danford never hesitates to be the first in a scrum, in front of a shot, or a leader on and off the ice. Although his stats do not rank him the highest in points, his determination, persistence, and heart give him that overpowering edge against his competitors.
Luca Marrelli
Often paired with Danford on the backend, Marrelli is known to be an offensive defenceman for the Generals. Snappy and smart with his passes, vision, and positioning, Marrelli ensures his teammates can grab solid opportunities when he is on the ice.
Constantly setting up linemates and being there to cover for support, the 6’2 Toronto native reads plays perfectly and always finds an open spot in the offensive zone, both on the man advantage and during 5v5 hockey.
Marrelli does not give any time, space, or opportunity for his opponents to make decisions when on a rush. He uses his speed, control, and poise to capitalize on his long reach and body positioning to push competitors away from the net.