2024 OHL Draft Day 1 Recap
The Guelph Storm welcomed four prospects on day one of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.
Guelph Storm General Manager and the scouting staff led by Wade Branch completed rounds one through three of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.
The team utilized the 9th overall selection with the addition of centerman Alex McLean from the Barrie Colts U16 AAA team. The Perth, Ontario native appeared in 48 games notching 45 goals and 71 assists for 116 points, in addition to his 1 goal and 7 assists through 5 games played in the 2024 OHL Cup.
Guelph Storm Head Scout Wade Branch on McLean, “Alex is an elite offensive-minded player, his ability to see the ice and create scoring chances off the rush are amongst the best in the draft class. He brings a high work ethic and makes the players around him better. Alex is one of the most dynamic and exciting offensive players in the age group.”
The Storm were back on the board in the second round with the 35th overall selection, adding Carter Stevens. The 6’1 centerman from Ottawa, Ontario suited up for the Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA, appearing in 42 games notching 29 goals and 41 assists for 70 points. Adding another 4 games and 8 points in the 2024 OHL Cup.
“Carter brings a high-level combination of skill, hockey sense, and intensity on both sides of the puck. He plays a complete 200 ft game and rarely takes a shift off. Carter is the type of player that other teams hate playing against. Carter is a true leader and led his team to a lot of success down the stretch,” said Head Scout Wade Branch.
The Storm were equipped with two picks in the third round, adding a defenceman and goaltender to close out day one. With the 43rd overall pick, the Storm added talent from the London Jr. Knights U16 AAA team with Eric Frossard. The 6’5 185lbs blueliner appeared in 44 games this season notching 6 goals and 30 assists for 36 points.
“Eric is a big, mobile defenseman who played in all situations for his London Junior Knights team. Eric is a player his opposition hates playing against and possesses tools that project to the next level. He is a player that has shown a huge improvement throughout the year and has one of the biggest ceilings in the whole draft,” said Head Scout Wade Branch.
With the team’s second pick of the third round and the 59th overall selection, the Storm selected goaltender Colin Ellsworth from the York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA team. “Colin is an extremely talented goalie with good size. We have been watching his progress all season and have been impressed with his development. He moves laterally really well and is able to make saves from his feet effectively. Colin tracks the puck exceptionally well and controls rebounds. We are very excited to have Colin in the Guelph Storm organization,” said Guelph Storm Goalie Coach Rob Beatty.
The Guelph Storm will look to add 12 more players to the prospect pool as day two of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore is back underway on Saturday, April 13th at 9:00am. The Priority Selection is being streamed live for free on OHL Live, and can also be viewed on YourTV, Rogers tv and Eastlink community stations.
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