Sault Major gets shut out

It was not a good showing for the Northern Ontario Hockey Association — or in particular the Sault Major Hockey Association — at the annual Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft.

Of the 301 players picked at the 2026 OHL draft process, only four came from teams under the NOHA umbrella — and not a single player was from the ’25-26 Sault Major program.

This follows the 2025 OHL draft when only one grad from SMHA’s Under 16 AAA Soo Jr. Greyhounds program — forward Adam Pszeniczny — was picked, going to the Owen Sound Attack in the eighth round.

What say you, Sault Major? How will your enlightened executive spin this one?

At any rate, the OHL returned to an in person format for the first time since the year 2000, with Slush Puppie Place in Kingston providing the backdrop for one of the biggest days on the OHL calendar.

The draft was held over two days, with Round 1 on June 12 before Rounds 2-15 were carried-out on June 13.

A total of 301 players were selected in the 15 round process from 88 different programs. The selected players included 171 forwards, 95 defencemen, and 35 goalies. A total of 289 of the players chosen were 2010 born players, while eight were born in 2009 and four were born in 2008.

The OHL’s commander in chief had plenty to say in true political fashion.

“Congratulations to the 301 players selected,” said OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford. “I want to thank the City of Kingston, Tourism Kingston, and the Kingston Frontenacs for being such tremendous hosts. Kingston welcomed our clubs, staff, scouts, fans, partners and our prospects with first class hospitality and a genuine passion for the game, and that spirit was felt throughout the event.

“Bringing the entire OHL community together to celebrate the next generation of talented young players is one of the most rewarding days on our calendar, and the people of Kingston helped make it a memorable one. We are grateful for their partnership and making this return to an in-person format so tremendously successful,” added Crawford.

The Greater Toronto Hockey League led the way with 84 selections. The Vaughan Kings and Toronto Marlboros topped the event list with 12 players each, followed by the Toronto Jr. Canadiens and Don Mills Flyers with 10 apiece, while the Mississauga Senators and Markham Majors each had eight.

The Ontario Minor Hockey Association followed with 57 selections, led by the Quinte Red Devils with seven, with the Credit River Capitals, Niagara North Stars, and York-Simcoe Express each adding six.

The Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario had 32 players selected, led by the London Jr. Knights with 10, followed by the Huron-Perth Lakers with eight and the Brantford 99ers with six.

Hockey Eastern Ontario saw 19 players chosen, led by the Eastern Ontario Wild with six and the Ottawa Valley Titans with five.

The Northern Ontario Hockey Association had four players selected, led by the Sudbury U16 Wolves with three and the North Bay U16 Trappers with one.

An additional 21 players were selected from Hockey Canada accredited sports schools, led by Upper Canada College with nine and Hill Academy with eight, while two prospects were chosen from Ontario-based junior teams. One player spent last season with a Canadian out of province AAA program.

A total of 81 players were chosen from American-based teams, equalling last year’s event record.

Detroit Little Caesars led the way with 11 selections. Detroit HoneyBaked followed with seven, while Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep had seven and the Woodbridge Wolfpack had six.