Five to Watch for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection

 

By Raine Hernandez/OHL

Each week, OHL Central Scouting takes a look at some of the top 2007-born prospects eligible for the 2023 Priority Selection, breaking down what stands out about their skillset on the ice.

In this week’s edition, we take a look at our third batch of players that have had excelled among their peers this season. This week features our first goaltender introduced in this draft class, along with the first player to be revealed from the HEO U18 AAA division.

 

Quinn Beauchesne – Nepean Raiders U18

OHL Central Scouting says: Quinn is an elite offensive defenceman that is always dangerous when he has the puck on his stick.  He is an elite-level skater that has a very good top-end speed to go along with his explosive acceleration and elusive mobility.  He has great skills and vision with the puck and makes accurate breakout passes.  He loves to join or lead the rush, as he is dangerous with the puck when he is in full flight.   He defends using his great footwork, takes time and space away well, and has a very active stick defensively as well.   Quinn is one of the best offensive defencemen in the age group and will continue to make an impact moving forward.

Raine’s OHL player comparison: Oliver Bonk, London Knights

 

Jack Ivankovic – Mississauga Senators

OHL Central Scouting says: Jack is one of the top goalies in this age group at this point of the season based on his performance. His dad, Frank, played for both the Oshawa Generals and London Knights from 1993-96.   He has been very consistent all year and it started with him leading his team to the Titans Tournament championship.  He is a very athletic and agile goalie that has made numerous highlight reel saves.  His quickness in his crease is one of his biggest assets as a goalie and his lateral movement is outstanding.  He plays a hybrid type game as he is not a complete butterfly or stand-up goalie, but he does what he needs to do to make saves.  He gives his team a chance to win every game that he starts and he is a battler that hates to be scored on.  We look forward to him leading Team Ontario at the Canada Winter Games in PEI.

Raine’s OHL player comparison: Ben Gaudreau, Sarnia Sting

 

Wesley Royston – York-Simcoe Express

OHL Central Scouting says: Wesley is a power forward that that has the ability to play a skilled game or a tough, physical one as well.  He is a presence on the ice as he can impact a game both physically and on the scoresheet.  He is a good skater, with a nice stride and he will get more explosive as he fills out and gets stronger.  He has a good skill-set and can generate offence for himself and he can finish when given the opportunity in the scoring areas.  He is a big part of the success his York-Simcoe Express team has had so far and look for him to continue his strong play into the playoffs.

Raine’s OHL player comparison: Cole Brown, Hamilton Bulldogs

 

Xander Velliaris – Toronto Jr. Canadiens

OHL Central Scouting says: Xander is a physical presence as he is a very powerful skater that is very active on the ice.  He is a converted forward and has only been playing defence for a little over a year now.  He has come a long way over the course of this season learning his new position and he has a very high ceiling.  He is a very strong skater that can get up to top speed quickly.  He has good puck skills with the ability to make good breakout passes.  His compete and physical play are one of his biggest assets as he is much bigger and stronger than most players are at this age.  He had a very strong showing at the GTHL Top Prospects Game and we look for him to continue his strong play into the second half of the season.

Raine’s OHL player comparison: Jacob Holmes, Windsor Spitfires

 

Kieran Witkowski – Toronto Marlboros

OHL Central Scouting says: Kieran is a speedy winger that can walk around defenders as though you they were standing still because of his top end speed.  He is a threat every time he is one the ice and he loves to challenge players one-on-one.  His feet are always moving which makes him very hard to contain and he is always putting pressure on creating turnovers.  He has scored numerous highlight reel goals this year and is always a player that shows up in the big games.  Kieran is not overly physical, but he does not shy away from battles in the corner for pucks.  Kieran is a player that can go under appreciated on this team full of other high-end prospects, but he is a very big part of his team’s success.

Raine’s OHL player comparison: Jack Beck, Ottawa 67’s