STEELHEADS ADD TWO FORWARDS AND DEFENCEMAN IN FIRST THREE ROUNDS OF THE 2024 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION
MISSISSAUGA, ON – On the first day of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, the Steelheads added three new prospects to the organization.
With the 13th pick in the first round, Mississauga selected 2024 U16 GTHL AAA Player of the Year Adam Valentini.
Valentini is a highly touted forward prospect who scored 31 goals and added 36 assists over 32 games in the Greater Toronto Hockey League.
Many scouts had him listed near the top of the draft boards, describing him as a player who is very dynamic and possesses a very accurate shot with a quick release. He is also viewed as someone who is a very good skater that makes players around him better.
“We are super excited, we just added an unbelievable talented player,” Steelheads coach James Richmond said about his first round pick. “Adam plays at high pace and high skill. His compete level is excellent. He will look great in Steelheads blue and white. We would like to welcome Adam and his family to the Steelheads.”
In the second round at pick number 34 the Trout took another forward, selecting Troy Patton from the Barrie Jr. Colts.
Patton is a 5’10 centre out of Mulmur Township who tallied 24 goals and 31 assists in 32 games during his OMHA U16 season.
“I’m excited to be selected to the Steelheads family,” said the elated 15 year old. “I can’t wait to put on the Steelheads jersey and contribute everything I can to be successful as a team.”
When asked about his second round pick, Richmond said “Troy’s compete level is off the charts. He plays a hard 200 (foot) game and can score. We’re excited to see Troy in the Steelheads blue and white soon.”
After selecting forwards with the first two picks, the Steelheads went with a right-handed defenceman from Holland Landing, drafting Owen Cartwright 61st overall.
Cartwright played this past season with the York Simcoe Express, putting up an impressive 26 assists from the blue line.
“We’d like to welcome Owen and his family to the Steelheads family. Strong skating, puck moving right shot (defenceman) that we look forward to seeing in the blue and white soon,” said the Steelheads General Manager.
The OHL Priority Selection will continue tomorrow Saturday April 13 at 9:00 am with rounds 4-15. The Steelheads next selection will be in the 5th round (94th overall).