Five to Watch for the 2024 OHL Priority Selection
With the 2024 Priority Selection on the horizon, it is time to re-introduce our annual “Five to Watch” series!
Each week, OHL Central Scouting takes a look at some of the top 2008-born prospects eligible for the 2024 Priority Selection, breaking down what stands out about their skillset on the ice. Last week, we analyzed the playing styles of Weston Cameron (Toronto Marlboros), Logan Hawery (Barrie Colts), Caleb Mitchell (Peterborough Petes), Thomas Vandenberg (Ottawa Myers Automotive), and Dima Zhilkin (Toronto Jr. Canadiens). Read more on our first edition of Five to Watch for the 2024 Priority Selection here.
In this week’s edition, we take a look at another group of five players from the U16 age group that have impressed OHL Central Scouting throughout the season.
Ethan Belchetz – Forward, Oakville Rangers
Ethan is a big power forward that at times seems like he is a man playing amongst boys. He is an intimidating force whenever he is on the ice. He is a very competitive, takes the body every chance he has and he really seems to like the physical side of the game which is rare these days. He is a good skater that has a powerful stride and is hard to contain when he gets moving. He has a good skill set and does a good job of protecting the puck down low, which makes him almost impossible to handle. He has a good shot and hands in tight that he has used to score many goals from within 15 feet of the goal. He is a player that understands his strengths and uses them to his full advantage. His game has improved immensely since the beginning of the season and this player has a very high ceiling.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Liam Greentree, Windsor Spitfires
Jean-Christoph Lemieux – Forward, Quinte Red Devils
Jean-Christoph is a hard working centre that leaves it all on the ice every shift he has. He is a powerful skater that loves to get in on the forecheck and cause havoc. He has a very good skill set and can make high-level plays in all three zones. He plays a fearless game and will drive the net whenever he has the opportunity and he has scored many goals this year going to the net hard. His compete is something that separates him from most of his peers and he always shows up in the big games when there is a lot on the line. He will be successful moving forward because of how hard he plays the game combined with his knack for scoring big goals.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Paul Ludwinski, Kingston Frontenacs
Zach Nyman – Defenceman, Vaughan Kings
Zach is one of the nicest skating defencemen that I have seen in quite some time. He is an effortless skater that has elite edge work and balance. He can reach top speed quickly and has elite mobility in all four directions. He can beat pressure with ease and has the ability to join the rush and recover quickly. He is not only a skater as he has elite puck skills and hockey sense as well. He plays the game under control, runs his team’s offence from the back end and does a great job with his reads and decision making with the puck on his stick. An offensive threat whenever he is on the ice, but is also a very good defensive player as well, using his footwork and smarts to defend against the other team’s top players. Zach will be an impact defenceman moving forward to the next level.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Matthew Schaefer, Erie Otters
Braidy Wassilyn – Forward, Markham Majors
Braidy is one of the most dynamic and offensively gifted players in this year’s Priority Selection. He is always a threat every time he is one the ice, he will constantly challenge defenders with his speed and skill. He is a dangerous player one on one as he has the size, skill and speed that makes him hard to handle all over the ice. He competes hard every shift and is always playing the game at a high pace. He has a cannon for a shot and will put the puck on the net from anywhere in the offensive zone – definitely a shoot first type of player. Braidy will be an elite goal scorer at the next level.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Malcolm Spence, Erie Otters
Cole Zurawski – Forward, Mississauga Rebels
Cole is a goal scorer and drives his team offensively. He is an explosive skater that gets up to top speed extremely fast. He is a fierce competitor in all three zones, loves to forecheck and is not afraid to throw his body around either. He has an elite shot that he gets off quickly and he is not shy to shoot the puck from anywhere in the offensive zone. He understands the game well and finds the open pockets in the offensive zone to create scoring chances. Cole is a player that plays just as hard in the defensive zone as he does in the offensive zone, which will make him a valuable player to his team and a hard player to play against.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Coulson Pitre, Flint Firebirds