Erie Otters Select Three Players in the 2026 OHL U18 Draft

Category: ArticleJune 8, 2026

Erie, Pennsylvania – Priority Selection Draft week would begin Monday night, as the Erie Otters would participate in the 2026 Ontario Hockey League Under-18 Priority Selection Draft for the 10th time.

The fist OHL-only Draft of the year, the Under 18 Priority Selection arrives days before the OHL Priority Selection which will begin Friday in Kingston. Much like the name implies, the U18 Draft – which started in 2017 – gives teams the opportunity to select any draft-eligible player under the age of 18 – giving players a second-chance at catching scouts’ eyes. While the U18 Draft doesn’t share the same pomp, circumstance, or acclaim that the standard Priority Selection Draft receives – as team’s select players overlooked initially in the Draft process – it is the perfect time to find diamond-in-the-rough, late developing, or under the radar prospects.

The 10th-annual U18 draft would see the Otters come in with the opportunity to select three players from the three rounds – including the #2 overall pick. With a ‘Linear Draft’ being executed – ensuring Erie and all OHL member teams the same draft order in each round. Unlike the Priority Selection, there were no compensatory or traded picks. The 2026 U18 Priority Selection picks were as followed for Erie:

Round 1, #2 pick
Round 2, #22 pick
Round 3, #42 pick

In the 2025-26 season, one of Erie’s two selections dressed in a game for the Otters, defenseman David Greene (#31 overall).

Round 1, 2nd Overall – Zack Forwell

The Erie Otters would utilize their #2nd overall pick on Monday night to welcome forward Zack Forwell. Hailing from Elmira, ON, Forwell spent the majority of last season with the Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA program also appearing in five games with the Elmira Sugar Kings of the GOHL.

This past season, the 5’9, 165 lbs. forward would put together a fantastic season, putting up 126 points (51G+75A) over 79 games. Forwell was also +80, won over 900 faceoffs and fired 328 shots on net. This forward adds a bit of instant offense to the Otters lineup, while also being capable in the faceoff dot and all three zones.

Erie director of hockey operations Scott Grieve spoke highly of the team’s first pick in the U18 draft.

“Zack is a player we have admired throughout the season,” Grieve said. “Zack had an extremely productive year, leading his team to the Telus Cup. In addition, Zack constantly drags teammates into the fight, makes opponents uncomfortable and plays on the edge physically. In our discussions with Zach prior to the draft, it is clear that he is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. We are excited about Zack’s development curve and to welcome him to the organization.”

The slick forward will have a chance to earn his spot in Training Camp come the fall.

Round 2, 22nd Overall – Liam Karbowski

With their second pick in the 2026 U18 Draft, the Otters selected goaltender Liam Karbowski. This netminder comes to the Otters after spending last season with the Toronto Nationals U18AAA program.

Karbowski stands 6’3 170lbs and will provide size and stability in the net for the Otters. With this pick the Otters will have a selection in the third round.

Otters Goaltending Consultant Adrian Volpe spoke on the addition of Karbowski and what he brings to the table in Erie.

“Liam is a technically sound, big bodied goaltender who plays with strong awareness and positioning,” Volpe said. “He reads the game well, consistently places himself in optimal locations to make saves and uses his size effectively. Had calm controlled swagger that allows him to read plays efficiently and maintain strong confident depth management in the crease.”

Round 3, 42nd Overall – Ethan Levkov

With their third and final pick, the Erie Otters select Ethan Levkov a forward who spent last season with the Mississauga Senators U18AAA program of the GTHL.

Levkov, a 5’9, 159 lbs forward spent most of the season with the Senators but did appear in three games with the Brantford Titans of the GOHL. Levkov is noted as a small but shifty forward who makes an impact in all three zones.

General Manager Dave Brown spoke on what Levkov brings to the club.

“Ethan’s speed is a key aspect of his game; it allows him to take advantage of space and win puck battles, creating offensive opportunities and gaining offensive ice time.”

Grieve spoke on the addition of Levkov and what he brings to the organization.

“We are very excited to select Ethan and continue to add to our forward depth,” Grieve said. “We are excited to welcome Ethan to our organization.”

Year	RD	OV	Team	Player Name	Pos	Height	Weight	DOB	Last Team	Source
2026	1	2	Erie	Zack Forwell	F	5.09	165	3/23/2009	Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA	ALLIANCE18
2026	2	22	Erie	Liam Karbowski	G	6.03	165	11/02/2009	Toronto Nationals U18AAA	GTHL
2026	3	42	Erie	Ethan Levkov	F	5.09	159	03/16/2009	Mississauga Senators U18AAA	GTHL

The Erie Otters look ahead to an exciting year as the club celebrates its 30th in the OHL. With explosive players like Michael Dec and Tyler Cooper looking to be key contributors to a young, up and coming group.

With the results of the 2026 Under 18 Priority Selection Draft finalized, Erie has officially selected 26 players all-time in the U18 draft – with 10 U18 Draft players* making the regular season roster for the team all-time.

Year	RD	OV	Team	Player Name	Pos	Height	Weight	DOB	Last Team	Source
2023	1	1	Erie	Brett Hammond	RW	6.02	188	09/08/2006	Nepean Raiders U18 AAA	HEO AAA
2022	1	2	Erie	Vlad Visan	G	6.02	225	10/02/2005	Burlington Eagles U18 AAA	SCTA
2026	1	2	Erie	Zack Forwell	F	5.09	165	03/23/2009	Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA	ALLIANCE
2019	1	3	Erie	Connor Olson	LD	6.01	169	03/28/2002	Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs MAAA	MHAO
2018	1	4	Erie	Daniel D’Amato	RW	5.11.25	146	04/08/2001	Vaughan Kings MAAA	GTHL
2020	1	8	Erie	Ethan Broderick	RD	5.07.75	157	07/07/2003	Guelph Gryphons MAAA	SCTA
2024	1	10	Erie	Oliver Phillips	C	6.05	183	11/29/2007	Ottawa Jr. 67’s U18 AAA	HEO18
2025	1	11	Erie	Alex Masotti	LD	6.02	184	6/19/2008	Markham Waxers U18 AAA	OMHA18
2021	1	16	Erie	Anthony Piccininno	LW	5.07	144	04/01/2004	Don Mills Flyers U18 AAA	GTHL
2017	1	20	Erie	Matthew Giannini	RW	5.07.5	144	08/25/2000	Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs Midget AAA	SCTA
2022	2	22	Erie	Zachary Benayon	LW	6.00	172	1/25/2005	Toronto Red Wings U18 AAA	GTHL
2023	2	22	Erie	Maverick Fletcher	G	6.01	172	11/17/2006	Soo Jr. Greyhounds U18 AAA	GNU
2026	2	22	Erie	Liam Karbowski	G	6.03	165	11/02/2009	Toronto Nationals U18AAA	GTHL
2019	1	23	Erie	Bryce Walcarius	G	6.01	150	03/01/2002	Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs MAAA	MHAO
2018	2	24	Erie	Darius Vitug	RW	5.08.5	174	04/01/2002	Toronto Jr. Canadiens MAAA	GTHL
2021	2	25	Erie	MacGregor Armstrong	LD	6.03	185	02/04/2003	Niagara North Stars U18 AAA	SCTA
2020	2	28	Erie	Marshall Nicholls	G	5.10.5	155	06/18/2003	Waterloo Wolves MAAA	MHAO
2024	2	30	Erie	Jonathan Frattaroli	G	5.10.5	151	05/31/2007	Mississauga Senators U18 AAA	GTHL
2025	2	31	Erie	David Greene	RD	5.09	175	03/17/2008	Niagara North Stars U18 AAA	OMHA18
2017	2	40	Erie	Anthony Carraretto	LW	5.08.5	147	10/05/2000	Toronto Nationals Midget AAA	GTHL
2022	3	41	Erie	Bruce McDonald	C	6.00	172	12/18/2004	Renfrew Wolves U18 AAA	HEO Midget
2023	3	42	Erie	Michael Dion	LD	6.00	157	05/30/2006	North York Rangers U18 AAA	OJHL
2026	3	42	Erie	Ethan Levkov	F	5.09	159	03/16/2009	Mississauga Senators U18 AAA	GTHL
2019	3	43	Erie	Zachary Power	RW	5.06.25	132	08/20/2002	Rockland Nationals MAAA	HEO Midget
2020	3	47	Erie	Blake Yetman	RW	5.09.25	128	10/02/2002	Whitby Wildcats MAAA	ETA
2024	3	47	Erie	Jack Clarke	C	6.01	185	06/05/2007	Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA	ALLIANCE
2017	3	60	Erie	William Anderson	G	6.01	186	04/01/2000	Kemptville 73s Midget AAA	OEMHL
2017	4	80	Erie	Jayden Vaughan	LW	5.10	152	06/01/2000	Toronto Jr. Canadiens Midget AAA	GTHL
2017	5	96	Erie	Evan Miller	C	5.06.75	127	03/07/2000	Niagara North Stars Midget AAA	SCTA

The next wave of Otters draft picks will be announced beginning Friday in Kingston with Erie holding the number two overall selection in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. One of 13 picks the Otters hold in this year’s draft.

The Erie Otters are thrilled to welcome Zach, Liam and Ethan to the Flagship City, and see what they can bring to Erie in the Fall at Training Camp.

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 Trevor Kubeja at [email protected] .

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Erie Otters Select Three Players in the 2026 OHL U18 Draft