OHL Holds Inaugural Draft Combine

Etobicoke, ON – This past weekend, 30 goalies and 60 skaters participated in the first ever OHL development combine. The event was held at the MasterCard Centre of Excellence (the Toronto Maple Leafs practice facility). With the OHL priority selection draft set to take place on May 1^st, this was one of the last looks scouts, GM’s, and coaches had at these talented individuals.

It marks the first time an event such as this has taken place.  Through partnership with Under Armour, the Ontario Hockey League has implemented a combine for players in their OHL draft year.  The players, all born in ’94, were put through various on and off-ice drills focusing on speed, skill, and agility on the Saturday. Sunday consisted of 4-on-4 non-contact games.  With every drill being recorded and evaluated, players were focused on performing to their best ability to try and make one last impression on watching eyes.

The combine allowed scouts from teams across the OHL to have an in depth look at the top prospects; while the players learned their strengths and weaknesses.

“Players will receive their test results,” explained Joe Birch, OHL Director of Recruitment and Education Services. “They will also receive an exit interview that will outline how their results were and how [they] can improve the results.”

The Inaugural OHL development combine came to an end on Sunday March 28.  However, 30 goalies and 60 players walked away knowing their strengths and weaknesses.  Looking forward to the summer months players will now have a better sense of what needs to be developed, and how.  The CHL and Hockey Canada now have the opportunity to look forward and develop the program nationwide.

“We’re looking at going to all the CHL teams, right across Canada,” said director of central scouting and player development Rob Kitamura. “If you think about the footprint we have in this country and the great partnership we (the OHL) have with Hockey Canada.  There is a potential to really make this grow and do a lot of good in terms of development.”

For OpenIceHockey.com, I’m Sean Kelly