Saginaw, Mich. – The Saginaw Spirit today announced the signing of 16th overall selection Aiden Young and 36th overall selection Jacob Cloutier of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection.
“To be able to have these two players commit to our program today really means a lot to Chris Lazary and myself,” said Spirit GM Dave Drinkill. “We’re really proud that they decided to take the next step in their hockey career with us.”
Saginaw’s first round draft pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Aiden spent most of this past season with the London Jr. Knights U16 AAA program. In 34 games, he tallied 30 goals and 29 assists for 54 points. The left-handed shooting winger also joined the Strathroy Rockets of the GOJHL for a pair of games.
“It’s a dream come true to be drafted into the OHL,” said Young. “To be drafted into such a great organization like Saginaw, I’m so excited. All the guys have been nice to me, welcoming to me, and making me feel comfortable throughout [this weekend’s] camp.”
Saginaw also signed their 36th overall selection in 2023, Jacob Cloutier on Saturday afternoon.
“We had these two guys right beside each other on the list on draft day,” said Drinkill. “As the second round went on, we started talking about ‘imagine if we get both of these guys.’ These are two building block players.”
Cloutier, a 16-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., also piled up the points this season with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite U15’s. In 65 games played, the right-winger scored 30 goals with 51 assists for 81 points. Cloutier’s older brother, Justin, just completed his second season with the Soo Greyhounds.
“It’s been an amazing weekend,” said Cloutier. “This is an amazing organization and a great group of guys. This has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and to see my brother going through it, he’s been my role model forever.
Young will wear #33 with the Spirit, while Cloutier will don #42.
