Jr. Hounds picked in U18 draft
A pair of 2006 birth year players from the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League were picked at today’s Ontario Hockey League supplemental draft for players who were bypassed a year ago.
Also known as the Under 18 draft, the annual procedure is a three round affair. And going from the Jr. Greyhounds were forward Jacob Smith and goalie Maverick Fletcher.
A local lad known for his work ethic and determination, the 5-foot-10, 160 pound Smith was taken by the Ottawa 67’s in the first round, 20th overall. Shortly after, in the second round, 22nd overall, the Erie Otters took the 6 foot, 175 pound Fletcher.
Smith played in 24 regular season games for the Jr. Greyhounds in 2022-2023 and produced 11 goals, 17 assists, 28 points as a dependable performer. Fletcher had a 1.60 goals against average over the course of the regular season for the Jr. Greyhounds, who finished in first place with a 26-2-0 record. The Jr. Greyhounds were then upset by the North Bay U18 Trappers in the Great North playoff tournament championship game.