OHL Greyhounds sign a pair
Soo Greyhounds have inked a pair of prospects from the 2022 Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft, general manager Kyle Raftis has confirmed.
Forward Tate Vader and defenceman Spencer Evans have both agreed to standard player agreement and education packages with the Greyhounds, who are in a race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the OHL’s Western Conference.
“We have suffered a number of unfortunate injuries recently, but one of the positives that comes from this situation is the ability to reward both Tate and Spencer with the opportunities to jump in with the Greyhounds. They have had strong seasons for both Listowel and Smiths Falls respectively,” Raftis relayed.
Vader was picked in the fifth round of the 2022 OHL draft from the Huron-Perth U16 Lakers.
”(Vader) is a very competitive, highly-skilled centre who has great skating ability. As he continues to get comfortable at the OHL level, it will be great to see the tenacity he can add to the lineup,” Raftis said of Vader.
Vader has played in 42 games for the Listowel Cyclones of the Greater Ontario Jr. Hockey League this season and has netted 15 goals, 13 assists, 28 points.
“I am really excited to have the opportunity to join a first-class organization. Growing up in Ontario, playing in the OHL is every kid’s dream, and I am honoured to be able to achieve mine with the Greyhounds,” noted Vader.
As for Evans, he was picked in the sixth round of the 2022 OHL draft from the Smith Falls U18 Bears.
“(Evans) has taken great strides in his game with Smiths Falls. He is a physical defender who uses his mobility to play both in transition as well as in his ability to be a threat in the rush. It will be great to see his game continue to grow at the OHL level,” commented Raftis.
The lanky defender has been a point per game defenseman through 33 games with Smiths Falls this season.
“I’m extremely excited and honoured to have signed with such a great organization. It is truly a dream come true. I’d like to thank all my family, friends, coaches, teachers, trainers and everyone who has helped me throughout the journey. I can’t wait to get started with the Greyhounds,” gushed Evans.