Storm acquire NHL Draft prospect Ryan Roobroeck from IceDogs

The Guelph Storm have acquired forward Ryan Roobroeck from the Niagara IceDogs in exchange for forwards Wil McFadden and Layne Gallacher, along with a fifth-round pick in 2027, a third-round pick in 2029 and a fourth-round pick in 2030.

One of the premier players available during the OHL trade window, Roobroeck heads to Guelph after three standout seasons in Niagara. The London, Ont. native was originally selected second overall by the IceDogs in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection and quickly established himself as one of the league’s top young forwards.

Roobroeck recorded 196 points (99 goals, 97 assists) in 176 career regular season games with Niagara, averaging better than a point per game in each of his three OHL seasons. His 99 career goals are the most among all 2007-born players over the past three years.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound forward is widely projected as a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. Internationally, he represented Canada at both the 2023 World U17 Hockey Challenge and the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship, helping Canada capture gold while recording nine points (4-5-9) in seven tournament games.

The move is the latest significant addition for a Guelph club building toward its role as host of the 2027 Memorial Cup. Roobroeck joins a growing list of offseason acquisitions that includes Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Owen Griffin, former Niagara IceDogs forward Ethan Czata, and Czech defenceman Vladimir Dravecky. Together, the additions provide the Storm with a considerable injection of experience, skill, and NHL-calibre talent as they prepare for a season that will see the organization pursue both an OHL championship and a Memorial Cup on home ice.

“Ryan is amongst the elite players in his age group,” said Storm General Manager George Burnett. “His combination of size, skill, power, and scoring ability fills a very important role for our club and makes him a great fit for our program.”

The acquisition provides a major boost to a Guelph club preparing to host the 2027 Memorial Cup. Roobroeck joins a talented young core that already includes several players eligible for the upcoming NHL Draft.

Heading to Niagara are forwards Wil McFadden and Layne Gallacher, along with three OHL Priority Selection picks.

McFadden, 19, is coming off a career-best season that saw him record 41 points with the Storm. Gallacher split last season between Brantford and Guelph, finishing with 30 points during his rookie OHL campaign.

“Wil is an offensive threat at even strength and on the power play,” said IceDogs General Manager Dale DeGray. “He’s a proven leader and someone we expect to be a go-to player for our hockey club this season.”

DeGray also praised Gallacher’s development.

“Layne had a very solid rookie season. He’s a fast, hard-working, engaged player who checks a lot of boxes and plays a reliable 200-foot game.”

The move represents one of the most significant transactions completed during the OHL trade window, with both clubs addressing key organizational priorities heading into the 2026-27 season.

With the OHL trade window reopening on June 15, clubs once again have the opportunity to make roster moves ahead of the summer. The trade window remains open until June 26 at 3:00 p.m.

All confirmed trades can be found on our OHL Trade Window Tracker.