[{"id":298449,"date":"2026-06-08T16:00:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T20:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/ohl\/?p=298449"},"modified":"2026-06-08T17:50:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T21:50:56","slug":"u18-priority-selection-a-different-path-the-same-dream","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/ohl\/article\/u18-priority-selection-a-different-path-the-same-dream","title":{"rendered":"U18 Priority Selection: A Different Path, The Same Dream"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the Ontario Hockey League introduced the Under-18 Priority Selection, it carved out a new pathway for players whose hockey journeys didn’t follow a conventional route.<\/span><\/p>\n

For some, it offered a second chance for their name to be called after being passed over in the OHL Priority Selection. For others, it swung open the door to the league following different development paths.<\/span><\/p>\n

As OHL clubs gear up for tonight’s U18 Priority Selection, recent history stands as a reminder that impact players can come from anywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the past several years, U18 selections have gone on to become Memorial Cup champions, NHL signees, and key contributors at both the junior and professional levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perhaps no player better captures the value of the draft than former Saginaw Spirit forward <\/span>Calem Mangone<\/span><\/a>. Selected second overall in the 2021 U18 Priority Selection, Mangone developed into the most productive U18 draft pick in league history. Over four seasons with the Spirit, he amassed 227 points (86-141\u2013227) in 241 regular-season games and played a key role in helping Saginaw capture the 2024 Memorial Cup on home ice.<\/span><\/p>\n

London Knights forward <\/span>Jacob Julien<\/span><\/a> followed a similar path. Chosen 41st overall in the 2021 U18 Priority Selection, Julien developed into a reliable two-way forward and a vital piece of London’s 2025 Memorial Cup championship team. His progression earned him an NHL contract with the Winnipeg Jets, and he is now launching his professional career in the American Hockey League with the Manitoba Moose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Defenceman <\/span>Gavin White<\/span><\/a> also converted a U18 selection into a professional hockey career. Chosen 47th overall by the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2019, White appeared in back-to-back Memorial Cup tournaments with Hamilton in 2022 and Peterborough in 2023. His strong junior resume led to an NHL contract with the Calgary Flames organization, and he currently suits up for the Calgary Wranglers of the AHL.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another Peterborough success story arrived in defenceman <\/span>Samuel Mayer<\/span><\/a>. Selected 15th overall in 2020, Mayer helped the Petes reach the 2023 Memorial Cup and has since pushed forward in the professional ranks, logging time with the Tahoe Knight Monsters of the ECHL and the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL.<\/span><\/p>\n

Current U18 draftees are making their presence felt in the OHL as well. Peterborough forward <\/span>Brennan Faulkner<\/span><\/a>, selected sixth overall in 2022, broke out during his overage season in 2025-26, posting career highs across the board, including six shorthanded goals, while anchoring the Petes’ veteran core.<\/span><\/p>\n

Goaltender <\/span>Michael Newlove<\/span><\/a> went first overall in the 2024 U18 Priority Selection when the Windsor Spitfires made him their pick. After spending time as a backup to overager Joey Costanzo, Newlove heads into 2026-27 positioned to compete for a larger role between the pipes following career-best numbers across 23 appearances last season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kitchener Rangers forward <\/span>Jack LaBrash<\/span><\/a>, taken 35th overall in 2024, was part of the Rangers’ run to both the OHL championship and Memorial Cup this past season, adding yet another title to the growing list of U18 selection success stories.<\/span><\/p>\n

For every player whose name is called, the U18 Priority Selection represents another opportunity to prove themselves, keep developing, and chase their OHL dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

U18 Priority Selection: Past and Present OHL Players<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Players are listed alongside the club that selected them in the OHL Priority Selection. All players have appeared in at least one OHL game.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Present:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

* denotes overager last season<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n