Rangers draft forwards Cato and Hunt in 2020 U18 Priority Selection

The Kitchener Rangers welcomed two new prospects to the organization on Wednesday afternoon during the fourth annual OHL U18 Priority Selection. The U18 Draft targeted the top 2002 and 2003-born Midget AAA players from across Ontario.

The Rangers selected centremen with each of their two picks: Matthew Cato of the Ajax-Pickering Raiders (1st round, 17th overall) and Tyler Hunt from the Halton Hills Hurricanes (2nd round, 37th overall).

In 33 regular season games with the Raiders, Cato led his team with 30 goals and ranked second in points with 53. The Whitby, ON native also had 13 points in eight playoff games.

Hunt was also an offensive leader for his squad this year, ranking first in goals with 17 over the course of 28 regular season games. He led the team with five in eight post-season games.

The forward from Oakville, ON also suited-up for three games with the Thorold Blackhawks and recorded three points.

“We’ve seen several players propel themselves into the Ontario Hockey League through the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection and for those players selected, this is just another opportunity to get better every single day, showcase yourself and further your development,” said OHL Director of Player Recruitment Kyle Pereira.

The concept for the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed in 2017 with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), to assist in the growth of Midget hockey and provide further opportunities for players at different stages of their hockey development.

For a complete list of all the players chosen, CLICK HERE.