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OHL Flint Firebirds

Firebirds Set for 2nd Annual Under-18 Priority Selection Wednesday

April 11, 2018 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


Flint, Mich. - Following the 2018 OHL Priority Selection held this past Saturday, Apr. 7, the Firebirds are set for the second annual Under-18 Priority Selection for Midget AAA hockey players in Ontario. The draft takes place tonight, Wednesday, Apr. 11, beginning at 7 p.m. with picks submitted online by OHL member clubs and displayed in real-time at ontariohockeyleague.com. It consists of two rounds, including a third pick option for clubs who select a goaltender.

"Midget hockey in Ontario features hundreds of talented players who continue to develop their game," said OHL Commissioner, David Branch. "Working with our Minor Hockey partners, the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection will serve to assist in the continued growth of Midget hockey and provide further opportunities for players at different stages of their overall hockey development."

The concept of the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection has developed with full support from Hockey Canada's three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO).

"The Ontario Hockey League has long been a leader in the advancement of young athletes and the new Under-18 Priority Selection is a continuation of that development," said OHF President, Tony Foresi. "We believe this second draft will offer players a chance to develop at their own pace while still working toward their hockey goals."

"The OHL has added a great incentive for those players who may have required an additional year or two of development to reach their full potential," said HEO President, Ron McRostie. "HEO is excited that some late developing athletes may have an additional opportunity of reaching their goals."

"The Ontario Hockey League Under-18 Priority Selection is a great opportunity for players that have continued to develop in Midget AAA hockey within the province," said HNO President, Glenn Timko. "We see this U18 draft as a positive opportunity for players in the Northwest, to have another chance at being selected by an Ontario Hockey League club."

Eligibility for the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection includes all Midget players (2000 and 2001 birth years for 2018 draft) not currently on an OHL Member Team Protected List who were carded with an Ontario based Midget AAA Hockey Club within the OHF, HEO, or HNO in the current season.

The order of selection for the Under-18 Priority Selection shall be the same as the Under-16 Priority Selection format which is determined through the final preceding regular season schedule. The non-playoff teams shall select first determined by inverse order of finish, followed by all other teams with the selection position also determined by inverse order of finish.

The Under-18 Priority Selection will be capped at two rounds with all OHL Member Teams required to draft a minimum of two players.

To enhance opportunities specifically for goaltenders, should an OHL Member Team select a goaltender with one of their selections, the club has the option to select another player (skater only). An additional round will be added to facilitate the drafting of any additional skaters utilizing the same selection order and process.

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