Kitchener, Ont. – The Kitchener Rangers announced today that forward Tanner Lam, the Rangers’ second-round (41st overall) draft pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, has committed to an Ontario Hockey League standard player agreement and education package with the club.
With Lam’s commitment to Kitchener, the Rangers have now signed their top three picks from the 2023 OHL Priority Selection.
“Tanner is one of the most naturally gifted players in the draft and is extremely skilled and slick with the puck,” said Kitchener Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “We feel he is going to be a key contributor to our offense as he gets older and are excited to see him in action in Ranger colours. Welcome to Tanner and his family.”
Impressively, Lam led the Ontario Minor Hockey Association – South Central Triple A Hockey League (OMHA-SCTA) in both goals (38) and points (71) in just 35 regular season games this past season. The Brampton, Ont. native amassed 132 points (73G, 59A) in 69 total games to lead the Halton Hurricanes U16 AAA Hockey Club.
“I’m completely honoured. Being drafted is one thing, but signing with the Rangers is another. I cannot wait to get started,” said Lam. “Everything is so precise and professional in Kitchener. I’m honoured to be part of this organization. Everything top to bottom is great and I cannot wait to be part of this city moving forward.”
Lam has played an integral role for Halton over the last two years, leading the Hurricanes to back-to-back championships. The 5-foot-10, 145-pound right-shot forward was a key member on the Hurricanes U15 AAA team that won the SCTA regular season and playoffs and the OMHA championship last year before becoming champions of both the U16 SCTA regular season and playoffs this past year.
Lam will wear number 37 for Kitchener and will be at the Rangers Development Camp this weekend, held this Friday through Sunday at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex. For more information on the Rangers Development Camp, click here.
OHL Central Scouting says: “Tanner is a smart and skilled winger that has the ability to slow the game down and make very creative plays when he has the puck on his stick. He is not the biggest player, but he is very smart and never seems to put himself in positions where he gets hit as he rolls off plays well. He has elite skill and vision, which are two things that really make him intriguing to many scouts. He is both a playmaker and a goal-scorer and is especially dangerous on the PP. Tanner is an elite offensive prospect that will continue to put points up at the next level.”
