The Ontario Hockey League completed its "Priority Selection" on Saturday, and 59 Americans were selected during the draft.
As always, there were a few selections that will have a major effect on college hockey. Our own Chris Dilks touched on the first two rounds of the draft in this post here.
The following is a list of Americans who were selected on Saturday, and what that may mean for their futures.
Jordan Greenway (Potsdam, N.Y.)--Shattuck-St. Mary's U16--Selected by Plymouth, 16th overall--First Round
The Plymouth Whalers used a first-round selection to take a player with a two-year commitment to the USA National Team Development Program. They've had success in the past with some other NTDP players, including JT Miller, Ryan Hartman and Connor Carrick, but that's quite the investment in the first round for a player who isn't going to commit for at least two years, if at all. Greenway has not made a college commitment.
Troy Henley (Paulsboro, N.J.)--Oakville Rangers--Selected by Ottawa, 20th overall--Second Round
Will likely sign.
Never been more excited in my entire life to be drafted 20th overall by the @ottawa67shockey. What an unbelievale feeling. Proud to be a 67
— Troy Henley (@Troy_Henley) April 6, 2013
Zach Werenski (Detroit, Mich.)--Little Caesars U18--Selected by London, 24th overall--Second Round
Would have been a top-five pick had he committed to the OHL. As it stands, he's committed to two years at the USA National Team Development Program. Like Greenway, he hasn't made a college commitment, but won't be available to London for at least two years.
London GM Mark Hunter told John Matiz from the Metro News it's a two-year plan to get Werenski to the Knights.
"It's a two-year plan," Hunter said, specifically talking about the possibility of Werenski joining the Knights one day. "We believe he's a top two or three defenceman in the draft. Sitting in the 24-hole we figured we'd take him and make him part of the program."
Thank you to everyone who has congratulated me, im honored to be able to play for my country, and be drafted by the London Knights #Blessed
— Zach Werenski (@ZachWerenski) April 6, 2013
Zach Wilkie (Villa Park, Ill.)--Toronto Jr. Canadiens--Selected by Niagara, 29th overall--Second Round
Chicago native has been playing midgets in Toronto. He is expected to sign with Niagara.
dranfted to the Niagara Ice Dogs #cantwait
— Zach Wilkie (@Zachwilkiecan3) April 6, 2013
Luke Kirwan (Dewitt, N.Y.)--Middlesex Islanders EJHL--Selected by Guelph, 32nd overall--Second Round
Big 6-foot-1, 216-pound forward has committed to joining the U.S. NTDP next season. Kirwan would have been a sure-fire top-10 pick in the draft had he given a full commitment to the OHL.
"He's clearly stated that he intends to go to the U.S. development program for a couple of years but he's shown a lot of interest in the OHL in the past," Storm GM Mike Kelly told GuelphMercury.com.
"I just think that if you ever got him, you're getting a definite first-round NHL pick."
Ryan Moore (Troy, Mich.)--Belle Tire--Selected by Windsor, 35th overall--Second Round
Moore was Windsor's first pick in the draft after they had to forfeit their first round pick for violating the league's recruiting rules. It was believed that Moore had tendered with Youngstown of the USHL, but our own Chris Dilks is reporting that the tender was never sent to the USHL office.
Moore is reportedly being recruited by Michigan, Michigan State and Miami. However, he has not ruled out reporting to Windsor, who is one of the most aggressive teams in the OHL in terms of luring in American talent.
"I have a lot of options with college and the USHL," Moore told the Windsor Star. "I've been to Windsor games and I like it, but right now I'm pretty much undecided."
Doug Blaisdell (Livonia, Mich.)--Honeybaked--Selected by Kitchener, 58th overall--Third Round
Expected to sign with the Rangers.
Thanks to everyone who said congrats. Looking forward to becoming a @ohlrangers soon!
— Doug Blaisdell (@Doug_Blaisdell) April 7, 2013
Matthew Tkachuk (St. Louis, Mo.)--St. Louis Jr. Blues U16--Selected by London, 64th overall--Fourth Round
Notre Dame commit is the son of former NHL'er, Keith. Matthew has already committed to two years at the NTDP, but London believes they can sign this late 97 for his NHL draft year noting that former London Knight Patrick Kane was in a similar position.
Knights director of scouting Lindsay Hofford also noted in an article with the Metro News that Tkachuk's father is a former teammate, and good friend to Knights co-owner Basil McRae.
"The connection between Bas and Keith is pretty strong," Hofford said.
Connor Clifton (Matawan, N.J.)--U.S. NTDP U18--Selected by Peterborough, 75th overall--Fourth Round
Real interesting pick here as Clifton is a 1995 birth year who was passed up in the past two OHL drafts. Clifton is currently playing at the NTDP, and is committed to attend Frozen Four bound Quinnipiac next season.
It seems like this was more of a calculated risk than a pre-draft deal like you saw with former Nebraska-Omaha commit Alex Broadhurst last season who was selected by the London Knights.
"Our scout in New Jersey Randy Walker is quite familiar with this player,' Pete's GM Mike Oke told the Peterborough Examiner. "He's from the same area and knows the family and highly recommends him. We've seen him in action and were impressed with what he brings to the table. Although he has at this point indicated he will pursue a scholarship, we feel once the NHL draft comes to an end, and he's possibly selected, we'll take the opportunity to go and meet with him and his family and explain to them why we feel the Peterborough Petes might be the best option for him - not only as a hockey player but as a student."
Chase Pearson (Alpharetta, Ga.)--Atlanta Fire--Selected by Oshawa, 79th overall--Fourth Round
Pearson's father, Scott, played for Kingston in the OHL in the 1980's, before playing 292 games in the NHL. OHL scout Sean Lafortune from McKeens expects Pearson to end up in Ontario.
Missed Chase Pearson to Oshawa. Look for him to come play in Ontario this year. High raw upside, just needs a year under strong coaching.
— Sean Lafortune (@SeanLafortune) April 6, 2013
Brendan Warren (Carleton, Mich.)--Compuware--Selected by Windsor, 81st overall--Fifth Round
Warren was one of the first seven commitments for the 97 class at the U.S. NTDP, and is also committed to the University of Michigan.
Spitfires GM Warren Rychel noted to the Windsor Star that they couldn't pass up chance to select a player with Warren's talent level at that point in the draft.
"If (Warren's) in this draft (and will to come to the OHL), he's a top 10 pick," Rychel said.
Seems like a long-shot pick at this point. Not that it necessarily means anything, but Warren did not acknowledge being selected on Twitter. He did however wish the Michigan basketball team good luck in their Final Four game last night, for whatever that's worth.
Jeremy Bracco (Freeport, N.Y.)--New Jersey Rockets--Selected by Kitchener, 84th overall--Fifth Round
Another top-end American who has already signed with the National Team Development Program for the next two seasons. Bracco also has a college commitment to Harvard.
Very talented, but smaller player at just 5-foot-9, 137-pounds. Seems like a player who would be best served taking his time developing at the NTDP, and then playing college hockey.
David Ovsjannikov (Rochester, Mich.)--Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16--Selected by Saginaw, 88th overall--Fifth Round
Big goaltender at 6-foot-4, and over 200 pounds looks like a bit of a project. Had a 4.43 GAA and .842 save percentage in 21 league games this past season.
Alex King (Taylor, Mich.)--Compuware--Selected by Plymouth, 93rd overall--Fifth Round
Christian Evers (Waukee, Iowa)--Omaha U16--Selected by London, 99th overall--Fifth Round
Hulking 6-foot-4, 195-pound blue-liner is committed to attend North Dakota. Evers is expected to join the NTDP next season, but has not officially been announced by USA Hockey as a commitment. Evers cleared up some confusion on twitter yesterday when he noted that he can't wait to get to North Dakota.
Can't wait to be apart of UND in a few years. That's what I mean when I said "Can't wait for things to play out." #SorryForTheConfusion
— Christian Evers (@CEvers97) April 6, 2013
Luke Opilka (St. Louis, Mo.)--St. Louis Jr. Blues U16--Selected by Kitchener, 102nd overall--Sixth Round
Goaltender out of St. Louis has officially been announced by USA Hockey as a commitment for the NTDP next season. Does not yet have a college commitment, so some Kitchener fans are hoping he's the next John Gibson, and will join the Rangers after his time in Ann Arbor is over.
I am honored to be drafted by the @ohlrangers #rangernation
— Luke opilka (@Lopi917) April 6, 2013
Nick Boka (Plymouth, Mich.)--Compuware--Selected by Sarnia, 103rd overall-Sixth Round
Defenseman out of the Compuware program had committed to Michigan State at one point, but has re-opened his options since that time. Boka was one of the first two defensive commits to the NTDP for next season along with Werenski.
Brent Gates (Grand Rapids, Mich.)--Compuware--Selected by Owen Sound, 109th overall--Sixth Round
Has committed to Notre Dame.
Kyle Rhodes (Ashburn, Va.)--Richmond Generals--Selected by Guelph, 112th overall--Sixth Round
Charles McAvoy (Long Beach, N.Y.)--New Jersey Rockets--Selected by Kitchener, 113th overall--Sixth Round
Long Beach native has committed to the NTDP U-17 team for next season.
Steven Ruggiero (Kings Park, N.Y.)--Metro Moose--Selected by Ottawa, 121st overall--Seventh Round
Tarek Baker (Verona, Wis.)--Omaha U16--Selected by Saginaw, 134th overall--Seventh Round
Wisconsin native moved to Omaha this past season to join the Omaha U16's.
Grant Gabriele (Brighton, Mich.)--Compuware--Selected by Kingston, 145th overall--Eighth Round
Has an invitation to join the NTDP next season.
Jeremy Brodeur (Essex Falls, N.J.)--Shattuck-St. Mary's--Selected by Oshawa, 154th overall--Eighth Round
Son of Martin Brodeur.
Dakota Joshua (Dearborn, Mich.)--Honeybaked--Selected by Plymouth, 156th overall--Eighth Round
Nathan Kwiecinski (Livonvia, Mich.)--Little Caesars--Selected by Erie, 161st overall--Ninth Round
Brody Stevens (Ann Arbor, Mich.)--Compuware--Selected by Sarnia, 169th overall--Ninth Round
Has an invitation to join the NTDP next season.
Owen Green (Williamsville, N.Y.)--Buffalo--Selected by North Bay, 170th overall--Ninth Round
Austin Dittenhafer (Pequea, Pa.)--Central Penn--Selected by Sault Ste. Marie, 171 overall--Ninth Round
Jake Henderson (St. Louis, Mo.)--St. Louis Jr. Blues U16--Selected by Kitchener, 173rd overall--Ninth Round
Made the NTDP, but decided to take a USHL tender with the Omaha Lancers instead for next season.
Jack Roslovic (Columbus, Ohio)--Jr. Blue Jackets--Selected by Plymouth, 176th overall--Ninth Round
Committed to joining the U.S. NTDP U-17 team next season. Not committed to a college yet.
Mason Kohn (Davie, Fla.)--Shattuck U16--Slected by Kitchener, 182nd overall--10th Round
Nick Azar (Grosse Point Park, Mich.)--Belle Tire--Selected by Barrie, 187th overall--10th Round
Garrett Forrest (Ashburn, Va.)--Potomac--Selected by North Bay, 190th overall--10th Round
Rhodes Dolan (Waterloo, Iowa)--Omaha--Selected by Oshawa, 194th overall--10th Round
Aaron O'Neill (Franklin, Tenn.)--TPH Thunder--Selected by Plymouth, 196th overall--10th Round
Donovan Ott (Lebanon, Pa.)--Selects Minor Midget--Selected by Oshawa, 200th overall--11th Round
Committed to Cornell.
Christian Fischer (Wayne, Ill.)--Chicago Mission U16--Selected by Windsor, 203rd overall--11th Round
Has committed to the U.S. NTDP U-17 team for next season and also has a college commitment at Notre Dame.
Zach Osburn (Plymouth, Mich.)--Honeybaked--Selected by Guelph, 212th overall--11th Round
Committed to Michigan State.
Patrick Grasso (Ankeny, Iowa)--Des Moines USHL--Selected by Oshawa, 214th overall--11th Round
Committed to New Hampshire
Karch Bachman (Wolcottville, Ind.)--Culver Academy--Selected by Barrie, 215th overall--11th Round
Kristofer Carlson (Centreville, Va.)--Capitals--Selected by London, 219th overall--11th Round
Daniel Miller (Erie, Pa.)--Pittsburgh--Selected by Windsor, 220th overall--12th Round
Luke Kunin (Chesterfield, Mo.)--St. Louis Jr. Blues U16--Selected by Sarnia, 229th overall--12th Round
Committed to the U.S. NTDP U-17 team for next season. Does not have a college commitment.
Tyler Sensky (Canton, Mich.)--Compuware--Selected by Plymouth, 236th overall--12th Round
Joseph Masonius (Spring Lake, N.J.)--New Jersey--Selected by Owen Sound, 237th overall--12th Round
Committed to the University of New Hampshire. Also reportedly has an invite to join the NTDP.
Jake Gingell (Gregory, Mich.)--Compuware--Selected by Sault Ste. Marie, 240th overall--13th Round
Keegan Ward (Galesburg, Mich.)--West Michigan--Selected by Plymouth, 248th overall--13th Round
John Carter Maclean (Basking Ridge, N.J)--Delbarton--Selected by North Bay, 250th overall--13th Round
Jared Domin (Grand Rapids, Mich.)--Belle Tire--Selected by Oshawa, 254th overall--13th Round
Adam Parcells (Wausau, Wis.)--Wausau West HS--Selected by Plymouth, 256th overall--13th Round
Ryan Smith (Snellville, Ga.)--Northwood Midgett--Selected by Owen Sound, 257th overall--13th Round
Michael Montambault (Ann Arbor, Mich.)--Victory Honda--Selected by Niagara, 266th overall--14th Round
Brendan VanSweden (Kentwood, Mich.)--Kentwood--Selected by Saginaw, 268th overall--14th Round
Chris Birdsall (Glen Rock, N.J.)--Cedar Rapids USHL--Selected by Kitchener, 273rd overall--14th Round
Committed to Boston College.
Grant Jozefek (Chester, N.J.)--New Jersey Avalanche--Selected by Plymouth, 276th overall--14th Round
Sam Miletic (Bloomfield Township, Mich.)--Cranbrook--Selected by London, 295th overall--15th Round
Jalen Smereck (Detroit, Mich.)--Grizzlies--Selected by Oshawa, 299th overall--15th Round
For more hockey coverage, follow Andy on Twitter (@AndyJohnsonB5Q)
You can also reach Andy via e-mail (AndyJohnsonB5Q@gmail.com)