Look back on the 2021 OHL Priority Selection
With the 2022 OHL draft coming up on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30, it presents an exciting opportunity for the Petes to select impactful players for the future of their organization. Almost one year ago, the Petes were able to select a number of players in the 2021 draft who have played important roles in this year’s run to the playoffs. This year, the Petes hold the 6th overall pick for the second consecutive year.
The Petes kicked off their 2021 draft by selecting forward Nick Lardis with their first-ever 6th overall pick. Lardis stepped directly into the Petes’ top 6 and played 63 of a possible 68 games for the Petes this season. The Oakville, Ontario registered 18 goals and 19 assists in a very successful rookie season and received the Black’s Family Trophy as the Petes Rookie of the Year.
Rookie of the Year goes to @NickLardis91 ????????
The Oakville native recorded 18 goals and 19 assists for 37 points in 63 games! pic.twitter.com/CM2IqT0oYw
— X – Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) April 19, 2022
The Petes next pick was forward Zack Lewis who they selected in the 3rd round, 49th overall. Lewis came from the Guelph minor hockey system and he played in 37 games for the Petes this season. Lewis recorded his first goal in his 7th game for the Petes against the Niagara IceDogs on October 30.
From the @GuelphMinHockey, the Petes are thrilled to select Zack Lewis with the 49th pick in the OHL Priority Selection! #OHLDraft pic.twitter.com/5aTC85yQo4
— X – Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) June 5, 2021
The next selection for the Petes was also their first defenceman in the draft, picking James Guo in the 4th round, 74th overall. As a lower draft pick, Guo was not guaranteed success by any means, but he found his stride on the blueline and was able to suit up for the Petes 52 times this season recording his first career goal on November 25, 2021.
James Guo unleashes a wicked wrister from the top of the circle for his first career OHL goal! @Samuel6Mayer and Dubois pick up the assists!#GuoPetesGuo | @OHLHockey pic.twitter.com/u7zgIPA821
— X – Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) November 26, 2021
The final 2021 pick has been a pleasant surprise to everyone and has quickly emerged as a fan favourite. With the 114th overall pick, the Petes called on Quinton Pagé, who has split his time this season between the Petes and the Petes U-18 Peterborough AAA midget affiliate team. He hit his groove with the big club at the end of the regular season with two goals in his final three games.
???? PAGÉ ????
Quinton picks up the loose puck, cuts in front, and buries the puck to give us a two-goal lead!#GoPetesGo | @SUBWAY pic.twitter.com/zp8Z8dsDMm
— X – Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) April 10, 2022
During the 2021 draft, the Petes selected a number of players who played an immediate impact during the 2021-22 campaign, and some who will likely thrive in the maroon and white in the future. The 2022 draft will provide the Petes with the exciting opportunity to add a new group of prospects to the Petes pipeline for next season and beyond. Make sure to tune into the draft live to experience all the excitement and be the first to find out who the newest members of the Petes will be.
