Luke Misa – OHL Breakout Star Turned NHL Draft Prospect
2024 NHL Draft Prospect Luke Misa broke out in a big way for the Steelheads in the 2023/24 OHL Season.
Mississauga’s 2021 9th overall selection in the OHL Draft lit up the scoreboard all season, setting new career highs in goals, assists, and points. He believes his work in the summer is a big reason why.
“I think the experience and confidence I’ve gained with two years under my belt in the league really helped,” said Misa. “I’m working hard to improve all aspects of my game and strength, every off-season. But definitely a lot of it is just (the) opportunity I’m getting and the mental part of the game.”
Misa broke the franchise single-season assist record with 55 helpers and finished just one point shy of tying James Hardie’s single-season points record (82).
Misa’s speed, playmaking ability, and creativity were on display all year. His four-point performance in the Trout’s home opener set the tone for the season. The Steelhead star followed that up with eight points in two games just two weeks later, including a three-goal, five-point outburst against Erie.
Although the past season was when most people recognized his elite skill, the Steelheads’ top scorer always knew what he was capable of.
“I’ve always known that I could perform and contribute at this level. You can’t let good games get you overconfident or bad games get you down. I try more to tie my confidence to my process in practice and preparation before games,” said Misa.
The Oakville native added two more hat tricks later in the year, garnering the admiration of Steelheads fans and the respect of his opposition alike. The NHL Central Scouting Bureau also took notice of Misa’s breakout season, as he finished 76th on their final ranking of North American skaters – the second highest ranked skater on the team.
After three seasons with the Steelheads, Misa is rapidly climbing the franchise record books. He ranks 13th in games played, 15th in goals, fourth in assists, and sixth in points.
He knows there is still plenty of work ahead in order to reach his full potential – he pointed to his strength and shot placement as two main focuses of his offseason training – but he may be just over a month away from achieving a goal he’s been working towards since he first picked up a stick.
“It would be a dream come true for me (to get drafted to the NHL) and it would mean so much for me and my family because of all the sacrifices and work that I’ve put in over many years to achieve that goal.”
