DRAFT DAY REVIEW: Erie Otters Select 12 Players in 2024 OHL Priority Selection Draft
Erie, Pennsylvania – The 2024 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft (pres. by Real Canadian Superstore) would conclude on Saturday afternoon with the Erie Otters bringing aboard 12 new prospects. Draft Weekend is always one full of hope, anticipation, and excitement to see talented young men develop into future stars and leaders – be it high-expectation early round selections, or players who become certified as “steals” in retrospect depending on their career development.
With thousands of prospective high-level players available to choose from the 2008-born draft class, General Manager Dave Brown and scouting staff had a particular focus on what they were looking for from prospective additions: size, skating, skill, hockey IQ, compete level, leadership, and character on and off the ice. Overall, they were looking for players who could add to the success that the Otters organization found in the 2023-24 season – 30+ wins, a top-five finish in the Western Conference, and a long-awaited return to the OHL Playoffs under head coach Stan Butler.
Erie would select two picks in the top 25 of day one, and add an additional 10 players in day two between rounds four and 14 to round out their 12 picks.
DAY 1: ROUNDS 1-3
Round 1, Pick #10 – Tyler Challenger
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 10 | Erie | Tyler Challenger | LW | 6.01.5 | 192 | Apr 13, 2008 | North York Rangers U16 AAA | GTHL |
For the first time since drafting Carey Terrance in 2021, the Erie Otters would hold the 10th overall pick in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft. With their first pick in the 2024 edition of the Draft, the Otters would select forward Tyler Challenger.
Coming off a tremendous 2023-24 season with the esteemed North York Rangers U16 AAA program, Challenger was everywhere offensively. In 68 games played, Challenger found 83 points (38G+45A) for a +44 season as a top-five scorer on his team. The offensive success continued for Challenger in the OHL Cup, where he found seven points (4G+3A) and a +4 in six games played.
Challenger is the fifth player in Otters team history to be drafted 10th overall, joining teammate Carey Terrance (2021) and following in the footsteps of David Broll (2009), Anthony Peluso (2005), and Brian Lee (2000). As it currently stands, Challenger will join fellow first round draftees Matthew Schaefer (2023), Malcolm Spence (2022), Carey Terrance (2021), Pano Fimis & Spencer Sova (2019) on a roster loaded with high-end talent.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“We’ve seen Tyler this year play a very power forward style of game. That was something we’re looking to build on. We’re looking to make sure the guys that we play against know they have to play a hard, heavy game against us that won’t go in their favor.” – Erie Otters General Manager Dave Brown
“Tyler is a 200 foot player that plays the game the right way. He checks a lot of the boxes that we’re looking for in a player. He takes pucks to the scoring areas, which we like. The coaching staff will be very happy; he’ll play in all three zones, and I think [Head Coach] Stan [Butler] will like coaching this guy. He’s someone we’ve had our eyes on for a long time.” – Erie Otters Director of Scouting Devin Brown
“When Tyler Challenger is on his ‘A game’ there are few players better in his age group. One of the highest upside players in the Ontario 2008 age group.” – The Scouting News
“Tyler is a big presence on the ice. He’s a big body that gets a lot of respect. He plays hard, he’s got sneaky skill – scored a lot of real nice goals this season. Better known for his work ethic, leadership, and how hard he competes. Everyone knows when he’s on the ice every shift. He drives the net hard, goes to those dirty areas that a lot of players don’t go. His game is going to project very well in the OHL.” – Darrell Woodley, OHL Central Scouting
Round 2, Pick #25 [from SAR] – Lucas Ambrosio
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 25
From Sarnia |
Erie | Lucas Ambrosio | LD | 6.03 | 176 | Jan 06, 2008 | Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA | GTHL |
Losing a big-bodied, physical defenseman with the graduation of Owain Johnston after his overage season, the Erie Otters wasted no time in finding a replacement for him – selecting Lucas Ambrosio from the Toronto Jr. Canadiens with the 25th overall pick.
Standing in at 6’3″ and 176 lbs. as a left-shot defenseman, Ambrosio put together a solid season in the GTHL, finding 20 points (3G+17A) while being regarded as a versatile defenseman.
Looking to bulk up on the blue line ahead of a season that will see a mix of offensive-defensemen and stay-at-home defensemen, Ambrosio will be an immediate mix in the defensive corps. of assistant coach Ken Peroff.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“We’re going to be patient with Lucas, but he’s going to be more appreciated at this next level than he was at the minor hockey level. He was a shutdown guy for his team, he made it real hard on opponents. We had a great interview with him, and one of the things that stuck out with him was his preparation and how he walked us through his game day prep. We’re real excited to have him part of our group going forward.” – Erie Otters General Manager Dave Brown
“Lucas is a big, strong, shutdown defenseman who plays physical and makes the game hard on opponents. Lucas takes great pride in his defensive game, and we are very excited to add him to our defensive core for years to come.” – Erie Otters Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve
Erie selected two total players on day one, as the team did not have a third round pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Draft.
“Both guys skate real well for big-bodied guys, and they both have elements of their game that are a little different from each other, but both very hard to play against. We’re continuing to build on that.” said General Manager Dave Brown, “As you saw through this year and through the first round of the playoffs, we want to play a big, heavy game and we want to play a pro-style; both these guys fit what we’re looking for.”
DAY 2: ROUNDS 4-15
Round 4, Pick #72 – Michael D’Alessio
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 | 72 | Erie | Michael D’Alessio | LD | 6.01 | 158 | Dec 03, 2008 | Vaughn Kings U16 AAA | GTHL |
The second defenseman taken by Erie in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Draft, Michael D’Alessio continued the trend of GTHL drafted players for the Otters. An offensively-successful defenseman with the OHL Cup runner-up Vaughn Kings U16 AAA program, D’Alessio put together 23 points (5G+18A) in 41 games.
Standing in at 6’1″, 158 lbs. as a late-birthday 15-year-old, there’s plenty of growth still to be had for an already tall, mobile defenseman.
With high-regard as an early day two pick, D’Alessio should have a strong opportunity to compete for a blueline spot in Training Camp 2024.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“Michael is a defender who played important minutes for his team. He is capable of contributing all over the ice. Michael makes a good first pass, can skate pucks out of the defensive zone, leading the rush or supporting his forwards offensively. That said, he doesn’t sacrifice defense. Michael has an excellent stick when defending and backs it up with his body.” – Erie Otters Director of Scouting Devin Brown
Round 6, Pick #112 – Colton Radford
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 | 112 | Erie | Colton Radford | LW | 6.01.5 | 162 | Jan 20, 2008 | Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA | ALLIANCE |
The first forward taken on day two of the Priority Selection Draft, Colton Radford also represented the first prospect drafted by Erie from the ALLIANCE league.
A point-per-game forward with the Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA program, Radford put together 30 points (19G+11A) in 30 games while taking just nine penalties all season. Radford and the Lakers also played a game in the prestigious OHL Cup.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“Colton is a player who has kept improving throughout the season, and has shown a pretty steep development curve as the past year has gone on. He has a good shot with a quick release, and he is able to find the soft spots in the offensive end. He was key to his Huron Perth team’s success down the stretch and we are excited to welcome him and his family to the Otters organization.” – Erie Otters Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve
Round 7, Pick #132 – Hudson Wozney
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 132 | Erie | Hudson Wozney | C | 6.03 | 169 | Jul 03, 2008 | Guelph Jr. Gryphons U16 AAA | OMHA |
A big-bodied centerman with experience in the SCTA and OMHA, Hudson Wozney is the first right-shot player and OMHAer selected by the Erie Otters in the 2024 Priority Selection.
With solid offensive numbers in the 2023-24 season – 34 points (17G+17A) in 38 games played – Wozney’s puck distribution and finishing ability looks solid when aligned with his 6’3″, 169 lbs. physical size.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“Hudson is a complete two-hundred foot player. He has strong puck protection skills and is a handful for opposing defenders to handle in the offensive zone. Hudson is a player who thrives below the dots, and opponents are aware when he is on the ice. We would like to welcome Hudson and his family to the Otters organization!” – Erie Otters Director of Scouting Devin Brown
Round 8, Pick #152 – Andrew Willis
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 | 152 | Erie | Andrew Willis | RD | 6.00 | 158 | Sep 22, 2008 | Elgin-Middlesex Canucks U16 AAA | ALLIANCE |
The first right-shot defensemen taken by Erie, Andrew Willis is the second ALLIANCE player selected by the Erie Otters. Spending his 2023-24 season with the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks U16 AAA, Willis found four points (0G+4A) in 30 games while taking just two total penalties. Willis and the Canucks would play an additional four games in the OHL Cup, finding a point.
Willis stands in a 6’0″, 158 lbs. and continues to add defensive prospect depth for the Erie Otters.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“We have watched Andrew’s game mature throughout the season. Andrew plays a steady game, he keeps the puck moving to his teammates, keeps a good gap, and has nice feet and skating ability. Andrew is a steady puck moving defenseman and we are excited to welcome him to the Otters.” – Erie Otters Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve
Round 9, Pick #175 [from MISS] – Michael Tamburro
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9 | 175
from Mississauga |
Erie | Michael Tamburro | G | 6.01 | 160 | Feb 09, 2008 |
Mississauga Reps U16 AAA
|
GTHL |
The first goaltender selected by the Erie Otters in the 2024 Priority Selection Draft, Michael Tamburro has been noted for his mental and physical toughness as a netminder. Backstopping in 27 games with the Mississauga Reps U16 AAA program, Tamburro put together a 2.93 GAA and .887 SV% alongside two shutouts.
Measuring in a 6’1″, 160 lbs. as a 16-year-old, the left-gloved goaltender will be part of a competitive training camp for goaltenders in 2024-25.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“Michael is a goalie who kept his team in games and gave them a chance to win every night. He is a goalie who battles hard and competes on every puck. Michael is an incredible athlete and we’re thrilled to welcome him and his family to the Otter organization.” – Erie Otters Goaltending Consultant Adrian Volpe
Round 11, Pick #212 – Kayden Edwards
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 | 212 | Erie | Kayden Edwards | LW | 5.08.5 | 153 | Apr 24, 2008 |
Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA
|
GTHL |
Ready for more Eddy? Kayden Edwards, the younger brother of elite Otters’ scorer Dylan Edwards, joins Erie as a high-upside forward. Playing in 34 games for the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA program, Edwards found 20 points (6G+14A) before adding another goal in the Marlboros time in the OHL Cup.
Edwards measures in at 5’8.5″, 153 lbs. and shares many of the qualities of his older brother on the ice.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“We love [Kayden]’s compete level, his willingness to go to greasy areas, and the willingness to outwork and out-hustle guys who are much bigger. Kayden will never cheat you on his effort or willingness to win. As the games got tighter for his team, Kayden showed up more and more. Kayden is a not a fun player to play against and we are excited to have him in the Otters organization.” – Erie Otters Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve
Round 12, Pick #232 – Thomas Hamilton
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 | 232 | Erie | Thomas Hamilton | RD | 6.05 | 160 | Jan 20, 2008 |
Ottawa Myers Automotive U16 AAA
|
HEO |
Likely to be the tallest player drafted in the Priority Selection draft, Thomas Hamilton stands in at 6’5″ as a 16-year-old. A product of Ottawa, and spending his 2023-24 season with the Ottawa Myers Automotive U16 AAA program, Hamilton had a solid season with 12 points (4G+8A) and only six penalties in 30 games. Hamilton would also play in the four games Ottawa played in the OHL Cup.
Alongside his tall frame, Hamilton weighs in at 160 lbs. and continues the lineage of rostered Otters from the Canadian capital.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“Thomas is a big, right-shot defender who looks after his own end, battles along the walls and in the corners. He boxes out opponents in front of his net and has an active stick that he uses to his advantage. Thomas makes a good first pass, which helps his team transition up ice. We are thrilled to welcome Thomas and his family to the Otter organization.” – Erie Otters Director of Scouting Devin Brown
Round 13, Pick #252 – Jameson Fabbro
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
13 | 252 | Erie | Jameson Fabbro | LW | 5.10.75 | 159 | Mar 19, 2008 |
Sudbury Wolves U16 AAA
|
GNU |
A northern Ontario kid with a solid scoring touch and a great name, Jameson Fabbro would be Erie’s selection in its penultimate round of the 2024 Draft. Measuring in at 5’10.75″ and 159 lbs., the Sudbury native put together a 27 points (14G+13A) season with the Sudbury Wolves U16 AAA program while taking just two penalties.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“Jameson is a real good skater and takes pride in the little details of the game. He is a player who we think has upside and we are excited to welcome him to the organization.” – Erie Otters Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve
Round 14, Pick #268 [from FLNT] – Owen Papp
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 | 268
from Flint |
Erie | Owen Papp | G | 6.02 | 175 | Sep 19, 2008 |
Hamilton Steel U16 AAA
|
OMHA |
The final goaltender selected by the Erie Otters, Owen Papp spent his 2023-24 season in the OMHA with the Hamilton Steel U16 AAA program. With a pro-sized body at 6’2″, 175 lbs., he will be able to compete for a spot in a competitive goaltending class at 2024 Training Camp.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“Owen is a goalie with great ability and lots of upside. He has a good technical game and tends to make high scoring opportunity saves on a consistent basis. Owen is a guy that we see developing over time. We are excited to welcome Owen and his family to the Otter organization.” – Erie Otters Goaltending Consultant Adrian Volpe
Round 14, Pick #272 – Jacob Johnston
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 | 272 | Erie | Jacob Johnston | C | 5.07.75 | 167 | Mar 19, 2008 |
Mississauga Reps U16 AAA
|
GTHL |
Here’s Johnny! The younger brother of 2024 Otters’ alumnus Owain Johnston, the final selection in the Otters’ 2024 OHL Priority Selection belongs to Jacob Johnston.
The 2023-24 season for Johnston was spent with the Mississauga Reps U16 AAA program. The younger Johnny measures in at 5’7.75″ and 167 lbs., and will look to continue the legacy of success his brother laid during his tenure in Erie.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“Jacob plays the game hard and has good detail to his game. He plays a strong 200 foot game, and we are happy to welcome him to the Otters.” – Erie Otters Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve
In total, the Otters would select 12 players between the two days – including two top-25 picks, six Forwards, four Defenseman, and two goaltenders.
“We continued to get a little bigger. We want to play a heavy and hard game, and we want to be difficult to play against, and I think that’s something we attained.” said Dave Brown, “We got some special picks yesterday and today. I’m excited for the scouts who put in so much time in the rinks every night from September to April, and I’m also excited for the Draft Class. As I said to those guys as we selected them, they put the hard work in. We had the enjoyment of watching them play and trying to figure who fits what an Erie Otter is.”
ALL DRAFT PICKS
RD | OV | Team | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 10 | Erie | Tyler Challenger | LW | 6.01.5 | 192 | Apr 13, 2008 | North York Rangers U16 AAA | GTHL |
2 | 25
From Sarnia |
Erie | Lucas Ambrosio | LD | 6.03 | 176 | Jan 06, 2008 | Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA | GTHL |
4 | 72 | Erie | Michael D’Alessio | LD | 6.01 | 158 | Dec 03, 2008 | Vaughn Kings U16 AAA | GTHL |
6 | 112 | Erie | Colton Radford | LW | 6.01.5 | 162 | Jan 20, 2008 | Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA | ALLIANCE |
7 | 132 | Erie | Hudson Wozney | C | 6.03 | 169 | Jul 03, 2008 | Guelph Jr. Gryphons U16 AAA | OMHA |
8 | 152 | Erie | Andrew Willis | RD | 6.00 | 158 | Sep 22, 2008 | Elgin-Middlesex Canucks U16 AAA | ALLIANCE |
9 | 175
from Mississauga |
Erie | Michael Tamburro | G | 6.01 | 160 | Feb 09, 2008 |
Mississauga Reps U16 AAA
|
GTHL |
11 | 212 | Erie | Kayden Edwards | LW | 5.08.5 | 153 | Apr 24, 2008 |
Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA
|
GTHL |
12 | 232 | Erie | Thomas Hamilton | RD | 6.05 | 160 | Jan 20, 2008 |
Ottawa Myers Automotive U16 AAA
|
HEO |
13 | 252 | Erie | Jameson Fabbro | LW | 5.10.75 | 159 | Mar 19, 2008 |
Sudbury Wolves U16 AAA
|
GNU |
14 | 268
from Flint |
Erie | Owen Papp | G | 6.02 | 175 | Sep 19, 2008 |
Hamilton Steel U16 AAA
|
OMHA |
14 | 272 | Erie | Jacob Johnston | C | 5.07.75 | 167 | Mar 19, 2008 |
Mississauga Reps U16 AAA
|
GTHL |
The Erie Otters are excited to welcome Tyler Challenger (F, 10th Overall), Lucas Ambrosio (D, 25th Overall), Michael D’Alessio (D, 72nd), Colton Radford (F, 112th), Hudson Wozney (F, 132nd), Andrew Willis (D, 152nd), Michael Tamburro (G, 175th), Kayden Edwards (F, 212th), Thomas Hamilton (D, 232nd), Jameson Fabbro (F, 252nd), Owen Papp (G, 268th), and Jacob Johnston (F, 272nd) to the Flagship City as the Draft Class of ’24.
About Voodoo Brewing Company:
Erie’s 2024 Draft Coverage was presented by Voodoo Brewing Company. Voodoo Brewing Company is more than a brewery; it is a celebration of the art of brewing, a journey of taste, and a gathering place where good vibes resonate. Voodoo Brewing Company is a pioneer in the craft brewing industry known for its innovation and community engagement. Learn more at Voodoobrewery.com and follow @voodoobrewery on social media.
Selected Players in the OHL:
OHL Member Teams are permitted to register a maximum of four 16-year-old players selected in the OHL Priority Selection. Those 16 year old players that are allowed to be signed are the first two 16-year-old players selected and a maximum of two additional 16-year-old wild carded players in any round of the OHL Priority Selection.
All other 16-year-old players selected are eligible to be called up as an “affiliated player” or “floating affiliate player” for a maximum of 10 games or for any OHL regular season or playoff games when such player’s team has been eliminated from competition for that season.
For further details on the Otters picks and results, head to OttersHockey.com or across the Otters’ social media. For all results of the 2024 Priority Selection, please head to OntarioHockeyLeague.com.
Stay Informed:
Keep up-to-date with the latest Erie Otters news by visiting OttersHockey.com, or follow along on social media with the Otters Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
About the Erie Otters:
The Erie Otters are an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1996, the Otters have a rich history of excellence both on and off the ice. The team is committed to creating memorable experiences for its fans and contributing to the growth and well-being of the Erie community.
For further information on the Erie Otters and for media inquiries, please contact Shawn Bednard at [email protected].