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OHL Kingston Frontenacs

Draft Recap Day 1: Frontenacs Welcome Three Draft Picks to Kingston on Friday Night

June 4, 2021 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kingston Frontenacs News Release


It was an exciting evening for the Kingston Frontenacs, as three new players found their way into the organization's prospect pipeline. General Manager and Head Coach Paul McFarland and the rest of the Frontenacs hockey operations team selected a trio of players in the first two rounds of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

While many of the prospects did not get an opportunity to play an entire season in 2020-21 due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Kingston Frontenacs scouting staff, led by Aaron Van Leusen, were able to study up on the players virtually and prepare for the 2021 Draft.

Let's meet the newest members of the Kingston Frontenacs!

Matthew Soto: RW, Oakville Rangers U16

With their second 5th overall pick in as many years, the Kingston Frontenancs selected right-winger Matthew Soto from the Oakville Rangers program. Known for his determined work ethic and stellar Hockey-IQ, Soto scored 21 goals and 44 points in 34 games for Oakville's U15 team in 2019-20.

He is a very agile skater with slick stick skills, which help him make unpredictable plays. While he is not the fastest skater, he is working hard to improve his speed to match his skills. He is a fantastic finisher in front of the net and already boasts a shot with power and quality well above his peers.

Standing at 5'11' and 160 lbs, Soto models his game after Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner while also looking up to legendary National Football League quarterback Tom Brady. After being picked 5th overall, Soto also joins the Frontenacs' "5th Pick Club," featuring Cory Stillman, Lawson Crouse and Paul Ludwinski.

Mitchell Brooks: C, Toronto Titans U16 AAA

The Kingston Frontenacs are getting a player with a knack for putting the puck in the net with their second pick, centreman Mitchell Brooks. From Burlington, Ontario, the 34th overall selection made the move to the GTHL's Toronto Titans for his U15 season. He went on the score at a near point-per-game pace, with 19 goals and 27 points through 29 games.

While he is offensive-minded, the 16-year-old has spent time on the penalty kill throughout his minor hockey career and can handle himself well in his zone. One of the upsides to his game is his explosive first stride, which allows him to burst by defenders.

Although Brooks is not the most sizeable player on the ice at 5'9" and 173 lbs, he is significantly more physical than one would expect. With an unselfish attitude and playmaking abilities, he is a threat even without scoring goals, as he makes sure to set up teammates for goalscoring opportunities.

With Brooks, the legacy of 2021 NHL Calder Trophy nominee and former Kingston Frontenac Jason Robertson lives on, as the Frontenacs acquired the pick, originally Peteborough's, from Niagara for Robertson and Jacob Paquette.

Quinton Burns, D, Kemptville 73s U18 AAA

Quinton Burns will not have to travel too far to get to Kingston, coming from just 95 kilometres away in Smith Falls, Ontario. A current member of the Kemptville 73s U18 AAA program, he featured in seven games in 2020-21, scoring a goal and six points.

While he did not get an entire campaign in 2020-21, the 35th overall pick spent the 2019-20 season in black and gold with the Greater Kingston Frontenacs, where he scored 4 goals and 19 points in 28 games.

Watch Burns, and you will see that athleticism stands out, especially when moving the puck. His skating and acceleration are already at an elite level, and when combined with his passing abilities, he is an offensive threat bringing the puck out of his own zone.

He harnesses his decent size at 6'2" and 170lbs, forcing opponents to the wings before making puck carriers pay with hard checks along the boards. With his defensive prowess and ability to advance the puck up the ice, he has the potential to become a top defenceman.

While Matthew, Mitchell and Quinton can begin preparing for Frontenacs training camp, 12 others players are waiting to hear their name called by the Frontenacs tomorrow. Rounds 4-15 of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection are o Saturday, starting at 9:00 am on the OHL's YouTube channel.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 4, 2021


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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