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. In this week’s edition, we take a look at five players from the U16 age group that have impressed OHL Central Scouting throughout the season.
Logan Hawery – Forward, Barrie Colts
Logan is one of the most complete and highly skilled centres in this year’s Priority Selection. He has an extremely high hockey sense and rarely makes a poor decision when he has the puck on his stick. He is very creative when he has the puck, but is also smart enough to just make the safe and simple play when it is called for. He pays attention to details in all three zones and is extremely responsible in his own end. He is versatile and can play all three forward positions very well and plays with an edge. He is both an elite playmaker as well as a dangerous goal scorer. He has been a big part of his team’s early success and I am sure his play will continue to lead his team in the second half.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Luca Pinelli, Ottawa 67’s
Weston Cameron – Forward, Toronto Marlboros
Weston is a complete two-way centre that does all the little things it takes to be successful. He has a big frame that is hard to contain when he gets down low in the offensive zone. He is a good skater that has excellent open ice speed. He is very good on face-offs and is used in every situation by his coaches. His compete and work ethic are a couple things that separate him from many other players. He uses his size well to protect the puck and isn’t afraid to take the puck to the net or go to the dirty areas. Weston is a player that all coaches love to have on their bench as he is reliable in all situations and you always know exactly what you are going to get from him.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Gabriel Frasca, Kingston Frontenacs
Caleb Mitchell – Defence, Peterborough Petes
Caleb is a smooth puck-moving defender that loves to have the puck on his stick to make plays in all three zones. He has excellent mobility and edge work, which make him hard to contain on the forecheck. He is very creative with the puck on his stick, sees the ice well and is not afraid to try to make the risky play at the right time. He plays in every situation for his team and is the main catalyst both offensively and defensively for his team. He defends well with his stick and feet and even though he is not big in stature, he will take the body against anyone. He will be heavily relied on by his team moving forward and into the playoffs.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Jorian Donovan, Saginaw Spirit
Thomas Vandenberg – Forward, Ottawa Myers AAA
Thomas is a highly skilled centre that plays the game the right way. He does not take any short cuts on the ice, competes, finishes all his checks, and plays a 200-foot game. He is a dynamic skater that is very explosive off the mark, has great edge work and has a low center of gravity, which makes him very hard to knock off the puck. He has the skill set to finish off chances that he creates and does a good job of setting up his teammates for chances as well. He plays in every situation and is a threat on both the power play and the penalty kill because of his speed and relentlessness. He is a game breaking type of player that OHL fans will love to watch in the future.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Cedrick Guindon, Owen Sound Attack
Dimian Zhilkin – Forward, Toronto Jr. Canadiens
Dimian is one of the best playmakers in this age group. He is extremely creative with the puck on his stick making plays that surprise and wow most people in attendance. He is definitely a pass first type of player that drives his team’s offense and makes everyone around him better. He is an elusive skater that evades contact well while still playing in all the high traffic areas as well. He is a very smart player that understands how to create time and space for himself and his teammates. He is a fun player to watch and he will be able to take his game to the level and be just as effective.
Raine’s OHL player comparison: Tanner Lam, Kitchener Rangers