OHL 20 in 20 Futures Watch: Mississauga Steelheads

For the fifth straight year the Mississauga Steelheads opted for a forward to open the annual OHL Priority Selection process.

James Hardie could help provide the offense for years to come after an impressive Minor Midget season for the Barrie Jr. Colts where the eighth overall pick scored 41 goals and produced 70 points in just 34 games.  After officially committing to the Trout and attending April’s Prospect Camp, Hardie helped Team OMHA Black win bronze at the 2018 OHL Gold Cup.

On the heels of the Hardie signing, the Steelheads also received official commitment from second round pick and Mississauga native William Portokalis in addition to fourth round pick Joe Ranger who also committed to the Steelheads in April.

Portokalis, the 39th overall pick, captained the Don Mills Flyers last season and scored 34 goals and 81 points in 63 games.  He also earned silver with GTHL Red at the 2018 OHL Gold Cup.

Ranger, chosen 63rd overall, backstopped the Carleton Place Canadiens with a 2.98 goals-against-average and a .908 save percentage in 22 games against Midget AAA competition.

The Steelheads continued to build their roster with commitment from 17-year-old defenceman Jake Cella who played last season with the Newmarket Hurricanes.

Hardie and Portokalis will be competing at Hockey Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-17 Development Camp from July 21-27 in Calgary.

Click here to see all Mississauga Steelheads 2018 OHL Priority Selection Picks.

Over 20 days in July ontariohockeyleague.com will take a look at the future of all 20 OHL clubs.  See more from the OHL 20 in 20 series.