OHL American draft?
Given the fact that 74 Americans were among the 300 players who were taken at the 2020 Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft, an altering of the process might be something to consider.
That is, just as the OHL — as members of the Canadian Hockey League — holds an annual Import draft for European players, perhaps it could also stage a separate draft for the Americans.
To me — and to many others, I am finding out — the large number of Americans who were taken at Saturday’s OHL draft came at the direct expense of Ontario-born players, which is truly unfortunate.
Simple math adds up to, that of the 300 players who were chosen at the recent OHL draft, just a fraction under 25 per cent were from the United States, mostly the Detroit area.
Now I am sure that most of the Americans chosen were worthy selections. But again, this is an OHL where 17 of the 20 teams are based in Ontario and play under the umbrella of Hockey Canada and the CHL.
If the OHL really wants to become more of a haven for American-born players, fine and well. Just as the OHL permits all of its 20 teams to carry two European players.
But if the OHL can hold a special draft for Europeans, why not do the same for the Americans?
That way, separate drafts for European and American players would allow more of an opportunity for kids from Ontario to make up the annual 15-round, 300-player, OHL draft.
I am all for equality and opportunity. As long as it works both ways.
And in that the OHL, as part of the CHL, has an import draft for Europeans in place, why not do the same for Americans — and leave the OHL draft Ontario players only.
Another idea is that the OHL, as part of the CHL, could simply expand the Import draft to include Europeans and Americans.
Meantime, it has to be downright disheartening for aspiring OHL players (and their parents) from Ontario to have to sit and take in a particular draft like this one in which a whopping 74 American imports were among the 300 players drafted.
Again, I am not suggesting that American talent be disregarded or overlooked. Just as I am not saying to disregard or not give opportunity to European players.
Instead, let’s just make the Import draft for all imports — European and American — and leave the OHL draft for Ontario players only.
Food for thought, perhaps?
Most of the USA players use as leverage
I stand 100 % for this… duel canada usa fall into ohl draft. USA separate European also separate. Make ohl great again.
I couldn’t agree more with you it was frustrating to watch.
Might need a separate draft for players from the north too . Scouting looks like more for players in southern ont.
It’s called the Ontario Hockey League. The US has the USHL and the NAHL. Maybe leave the draft open to exceptional players for the draft. The province’s midget, JR B and JR A ranks will produce the same talent or better then drafting US trained players. The same goes to any European trained player. We all know that for the owners it”s about money and creating a competitive team to get fans through the gates. We all know that teams are losing money in certain cities due to attendance. 74 US players will not put fans in the seats unless they are exceptional as they call it. Locally developed players will. Hey! What do I know. I live in Kingston!!!!! An on ice disgrace. I took my sons to a Kitchener Rangers game this season against the Sarnia Sting who where in last place at the time . The barn was sold out and the atmosphere was like an NHL game. My boys had a great time. Wondered why the Fronts games where so Blahhhh. Thank you Randy for covering the NOJHL. I’m from Hearst originally. I played for the Vikings in the late 80’s before going to university. Great league and again a big thanks for supporting all our Northern Ontario Teams and communities.
Cheers
Hope that you and your family stay safe in these difficult times.
I don’t see any people from Ontario complaining about the large number of
Canadians taking up roster spots in NCAA programs. Maybe the Americans should respond by limiting the number of Canadians gaining an education from a US institution while also playing NCAA hockey?
Yes!