NOJHL to NHL draft picks
Teammates with the Soo Thunderbirds during the 2021-2022 Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League season, Andrew Gibson and Cooper Foster have since become National Hockey League draft picks.
A slick defenseman, Gibson was taken in the second round of today’s 2023 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. Gibson spent the 2022-2023 season with the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League.
A Sault Ste. Marie product who is a smooth forward with a good scoring touch, Foster was picked by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the sixth round. He skated for the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL during the ’22-23 season.
NOJHL commissioner Rob Mazzuca noted that it is a testament to the Junior A league in contributing to the full season of development for both Gibson and Foster.
“The development model continually put forth by our league and member clubs continues to pay dividends with Andrew and Cooper’s selections in the NHL Draft,” noted Mazzuca.
“The efforts of our teams, in terms of scouting and recruiting talent to help them advance to the next level, bodes well for the overall success of the NOJHL and certainly enhances our goals in having top-end talent compete in our league,” added Mazzuca.