IceDogs Milestone Moments – 2023 OHL Priority Selection Day One
NIAGARA, ON – It’s officially OHL Priority Selection week, and so for this week’s Milestone Moment we’re throwing it back to April 21st of last year; Day one of the 2023 Priority Selection Draft. It was a big day for the IceDogs, as they selected Ryan Roobroeck (2nd overall), Ethan Czata (5th overall), and Artem Frolov (28th overall). These three will be cornerstone players for an up-and-coming IceDogs team for years to come!
Roobroeck was ranked by many as a consensus first overall pick in his draft. With a staggering 51 goals and 79 points in just 30 games in his final U16 season, scouts were salivating over his size, skill level, pro-caliber shot, and pure goal scoring ability. So, when he fell to Niagara’s lap at second overall, it was a rush to the podium to call his name. After setting new franchise records for goals by a 16-year-old (28), goals by a rookie in general (28), most multi point games as a rookie (12), and the rookie point record (51), it’s scary to think just how much better he can get. A no brainer and a home run pick at second overall, Roobroeck has been exactly as advertised so far!
Czata fit more of the two-way profile: over a point per game player in his final U16 season, he was a centre who could win draws, win battles, was responsible and could be trusted in his own end, and had the size and skill to be successful on the offensive side of things in the OHL as well. A raw prospect, Czata’s skill was on full display at moments during his first season (his spectacular first OHL goal being a prime example), and despite his slight frame, he showed some grit too. Chipping in 7 goals and 17 points in his rookie campaign he showed flashes of the two-way anchor down the middle the IceDogs drafted him to be, and it’s going to be a treat watching his game grow while wearing the red and white!
Touted by scouts as one of the most OHL ready defenders in the draft class because of his size and frame at 16 years old, Frolov was scooped up in the second round and slotted right in on the second pair to begin the season. Speed and agility being big parts of his game, the smooth skating defensemen started off his OHL career with a goal and 12 points while playing in the most games (67) amongst all IceDogs players this season. Frolov projects to be a pillar on the back end for years!
Meanwhile the 2024 OHL Priority Selection kicks off tomorrow starting with rounds 1-3 commencing at 7pm. Rounds 4-15 will take place on Saturday, April 13 beginning at 9am. You can follow the entire process online at www.ontariohockeyleague.com and streaming live on OHL Live. Day 1 of the Priority Selection will be aired across the province on YourTV, Rogers tv, Eastlink, Cable 14 and Shaw Spotlight community stations.