Rangers Add Three Prospects in Under-18 Priority Selection Wednesday
April 19, 2024 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers News Release
Kitchener, ON - Following the 2024 OHL Priority Selection last weekend, the Kitchener Rangers added three more prospects in the 2024 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection Wednesday night. The Rangers tabbed goaltender Erik Maki in the first-round (15th overall), centreman Jack LaBrash in the second-round (35th overall), and forward Joshua Giordano in the third-round (52nd overall).
Erik Maki hails from Oshawa, ON, and played for the Whitby Wildcats Under-18 AAA club in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) this past season. Maki stands at 6-foot-3 and 186 pounds between the pipes. This season he suited up in 14 games registering a 2.83 goals-against average. The netminder also started seven games in the postseason where he recorded a 2.49 goals-against average.
"We are extremely happy to take Erik with our first pick in the U18 Priority Selection," said Rangers U18 Scout Kenny Kerto. "Erik is a big, strong goalie who tracks the puck well and has a big presence in the crease. He's a technically sound goalie with the ability to steal games and make quality saves in the clutch. He's a strong skater who isn't afraid to play the puck when needed."
Jack LaBrash adds some more height to this U-18 Draft, standing at 6'5". LaBrash played center for the Upper Canada Cyclones U18 AAA team this past season where he averaged more than a point a game putting up nine goals and 24 assists in 29 games played. The Brockville, ON native also had a quick stint with the Athens Aeros of the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) for a game.
Joshua Giordano was the Rangers' third-round pick from the North York Rangers U18 AAA team. Giordano is 5-foot-10 and plays on the left wing. Last season, he registered 10 goals and 23 points in his 37 games played. The Vaughn, ON native, was called up to Markham of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) for five games this season where scored two goals with the junior club.
The Rangers are currently playing in the semi-final of the OHL Playoffs against the London Knights. The Blueshirts are down 3-0 in the series, looking to keep their season alive tonight at The Aud. You won't want to miss them battle it out against their rivals, so purchase your tickets before they're gone online here or visit The Aud Box Office Sponsored by White Way Plumbing.
• Discuss this story on the Ontario Hockey League message board...
Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 19, 2024
- Mangone Scores Wins Game 5 in OT, Spirit Take 3-2 Lead - Saginaw Spirit
- Mangone Scores Wins Game 5 in OT, Spirit Take 3-2 Lead - Saginaw Spirit
- Reflecting with a Record Breaking Rookie - Jake O'Brien Wins Rookie of the Year - Brantford Bulldogs
- Bulldogs' O'Brien Claims Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year - Brantford Bulldogs
- Bulldogs' O'Brien Claims Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year - OHL
- Oshawa, North Bay to Face-Off in Eastern Conference Championship Series - OHL
- Game Preview: Game 5 vs. Soo - Saginaw Spirit
- Rangers Add Three Prospects in Under-18 Priority Selection Wednesday - Kitchener Rangers
- Kitchener's Season Comes to Close as London Takes Game Four - Kitchener Rangers
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.
