In past years, we in New England wouldn't have paid much attention to the OHL Priority Selection. Most players in New England (and the rest of the United States) wanted to play NCAA Division 1 hockey, so they wouldn't be able to play in the OHL.
That's no longer the case.
Since the CHL ruling in November, prospects can play in the OHL (as well as the QMJHL and WHL) and still play NCAA Division 1 hockey.
That's why OHL teams selected a record 81 players from U.S.-based teams this year. Over Friday and Saturday, OHL teams took turns picking primarily 2009-born players, as well as 14 who are '08s and six '07s.
In the United States, the OHL has rights to players from these states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Washington D.C., North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Michigan, Indiana, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana.
Sure, the OHL doesn't cover New England — that's for the QMJHL. However, the OHL picked several players who have regularly played in New England.
Let's dive in.
Round 1, Pick 19: Ryan Kaczynski, Soo Grey Hounds
The Mid Fairfield product was one of the most offensively gifted '09s playing in New England this winter. Kaczynski, who is from Syosset, N.Y., scored 57 goals and finished with 118 points in 60 games at the 15O level. His hands are outstanding and he has a hard and accurate shot. He took smart routes — both off the rush and in the offensive zone — to put himself in optimal scoring positions. While he wasn't invited, he had a legitimate case for the U.S. National Team Development Program Evaluation Camp.
Round 3, Pick 50: Joe Salandra, Barrie Colts
Salandra was the leading point-getter in prep this winter, tallying 72 for Brunswick and leading the Bruins to the No. 6 seed in the Elite 8. The '08 Harvard commit was a longtime standout for Mid Fairfield, too. He drives play with his phenomenal skating. The best aspect of his game is his shot, which he can use to score from anywhere. Salandra is from Pleasantville, N.Y. It's unknown where Salandra will play next season. He was drafted in the fourth round of the USHL Phase 1 Draft by the Chicago Steel.
Round 6, Pick 119: Christian Semetsis, Barrie Colts
Semetsis made next season's U.S. National Team Development Program squad last week. He was a standout defenseman for Mount St. Charles this winter, posting 13 goals and 49 points in 59 games at the 15O level. He was also one of the top defenders at NTDP Evaluation Camp in late March. He's a high-end skater who makes intelligent decisions with the puck. He can be physical in his own zone, too. The Smithtown, N.Y., native is a late '09. Given that he just made the NTDP, I wouldn't expect him to end up in Barrie.
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Round 7, Pick 126: Nathaniel Chizik, Oshawa Generals
Chizik also made the NTDP last week. The Mount St. Charles netminder had another fantastic season, leading his team to its second-straight national championship. At 6-foot-3 and 201 pounds, he has all the potential in the world for a goalie. He's athletic and cuts down shooting angles so well. While the NTDP can be hard on goalies, Chizik should be able to sustain it, which is why I wouldn't expect him in Oshawa. He's from Warrington, Pa.
Round 8, Pick 144: Luke Schairer, Peterborough Petes
Schairer is from Charlotte, N.C., but played one season in 2023-24 for the Mount St. Charles 15O team. He was on the U17 NTDP squad this season, posting three goals and 24 points in 48 games. At 6-foot-2 and 187 pounds, he has a lot of pro potential as a two-way force for an NHL team. He's committed to Boston University and could be a first-round pick next June.
Round 10, Pick 188: Stephen Cover, Owen Sound Attack
Cover was one of the most underrated players for Mount St. Charles' 15O team this season, scoring 46 goals and tallying 114 points in 61 games. He also led all players in scoring at nationals with 15 points, guiding Mount St. Charles to the national championship. Cover's ability to produce and play with top talent on the wing is high-end for '09s. He was tendered by the USHL's Madison Capitols last week, so I wouldn't expect Cover in the OHL any time soon.
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Round 10, Pick 203: Rocco Pelosi, Oshawa Generals
Pelosi had another fantastic season for Mount St. Charles, leading the 15O team in goals (65) and points (140). He plays the game with such a high compete, drives play down the middle and has elite offensive instincts. The Sewell, N.J., native made the NTDP last week, so I wouldn't expect to see him in Oshawa.
Round 11, Pick 217: Cody Costello, Oshawa Generals
Costello has quietly been a top shutdown defenseman for Mount St. Charles over the last two seasons. He has a fantastic stick and brings a physical element to neutralizing opposing forwards. He can handle assignments against top forwards, too. At 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, the Sewell, N.J., native projects well as a shutdown defender through higher levels.
Round 12, Pick 236: Braiden Scuderi, Saginaw Spirit
Scuderi has been a high producer for Mount St. Charles over the last two seasons, posting 127 points this winter at the 15O level and 137 last year with the 14Us. Even at 5-foot-7, his hands, ability to drive play and navigate through opposing defenses for scoring chances set him apart. He didn't make next season's NTDP team, but the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders tendered him last week. I'd expect him in the USHL next season.
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Round 15, Pick 286: Mason Raycroft, Kingston Frontenacs
Raycroft is from Wellesley, Mass. but is grandfathered in because his father, former Bruins goalie Andrew Raycroft, played for the OHL's Sudbury Wolves from 1997-99 and the Frontenacs during the 1999-2000 season. Mason played for the Cape Cod Whalers this past season and was at Dexter Southfield. While he stands at 5-foot-6, he has quick hands and great positioning. The '09 will be at Cushing next season.
