Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today concluded the 2023 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore for North American players born predominantly in 2007.
The annual Priority Selection was held online over a span of two days, with Day 1 coverage produced by YourTV and airing across the province on YourTV, Rogers tv, Eastlink, Cable 14 and Shaw Spotlight community stations as well as on the OHL Action Pak. Both days of the annual event were streamed for free in their entirety on OHL Live.
A total of 302 players were selected in the 15-round process from 87 different teams across Ontario and parts of the United States. The selected players included 163 forwards, 105 defencemen, and 34 goaltenders. A total of 298 of the players chosen were 2007-born athletes while three were born in 2006 and one was born in 2005.
The Erie Otters made the first overall pick after winning the 2023 OHL Priority Selection Draft Lottery held on March 29. The Otters selected 2007-born defenceman Matthew Schaefer of the Halton Hurricanes to open the proceedings.
“Congratulations to all 302 players chosen in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection and for all the hard work and dedication that brought you to being selected,” said Darrell Woodley, Director of OHL Central Scouting. “Being selected by an OHL team is a great accomplishment to be shared with family, friends, and minor hockey coaches and organizations who have all provided support and encouragement, but it is also just the beginning as you prepare to embark on your journey to the next level. It doesn’t matter what number you were picked, what matters is the work ethic, sportsmanship and ability you apply on the ice. Opportunities for success are available for players with the right attitude and grit, including players not selected today, who may find success through next year’s Under-18 Priority Selection. Best of luck to all players in pursuit of your hockey and academic goals.”
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association led the way with 87 selections from 20 different teams with the OMHA champion Peterborough Petes leading with 13 picks, while the Halton Hurricanes developed 12 and the York-Simcoe Express produced 11. The Greater Toronto Hockey League had 86 players selected from 13 different teams, with the OHL Cup champion Toronto Jr. Canadiens joining the league champion Toronto Marlboros in the lead each with 15 chosen. The Mississauga Senators trailed close behind with 10 selected players. The Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario produced 43 selections from 12 different teams with the London Jr. Knights on top of the list with seven players selected. Hockey Eastern Ontario saw 21 players find their way onto OHL Draft boards from 10 different teams with the Renfrew Wolves leading with four. The Northern Ontario Hockey Association had 11 players selected from across three teams as the Soo Jr. Greyhounds developed seven of those. An additional three players were selected from Ontario-based junior teams. Two players out of other Canadian prep or varsity programs were selected, while two out of province players were also picked. A total of 49 players were chosen from across 20 different American-based teams led by Detroit Little Caesars with nine players chosen, followed closely by Bishop Kearney Selects with seven.
This season marked the 23rd straight year the Priority Selection was conducted by way of the internet, carried out in partnership with RinkNet.
