The Tampa Bay Lightning selected two-way forward Ethan Czata from the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) as the 56th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Czata is a native of Brampton, Ontario. He scored 21 goals and 34 assists for 55 points in 68 games with Niagara last season, finishing fourth in goals and points. The pick that was used to draft Czata originally belonged to the L.A. Kings, but found its way back to Tampa last June in the deal with Tanner Jeannot.
"I think I can come in and be kind of a third-line checker, third-line center that kind of plays a hard game, plays the penalty kill, shuts down the other team's top line,” Czata said of how he could fit into the lineup.
“I'm someone that takes pride in the defensive zone. I am skilled enough to make plays and score goals too but I think that's kind of a bonus to my game so I think just playing physical and playing a hard game is something that could help the Tampa Bay Lightning.”
Czata is a strong defensive player, which made him one of the Niagara IceDogs’ most consistent penalty killers this season. Offensively he makes simplistic plays to set up his teammates.
During the NHL Network Draft broadcast, Czata drew comparisons to a “Brandon Hagel-type” player — a gritty forward with two-way responsibility. He noted that he sees a bit of Sam Bennett in his game as well.
“I love being physical. I love going to the net front, being a little bit of a gritty player. I like Dylan Larkin, someone who’s a great skater, is a leader, plays both ends of the ice.”
Off the ice, Czata said he likes to keep things simple: he’s a lacrosse guy, enjoys fishing, and values time with friends.
“I'm a lacrosse player, I played lacrosse my whole life. I'm a big friends guy, I talk to all my friends every day. Always stay in touch, even if I'm not with them. I love doing activities.”
The 18-year old also mentioned he enjoys the warm weather, a detail that should make his eventual transition to Tampa all the more comfortable.
Current Lightning Selections
Round 4 – 127 overall (from Edmonton)
Round 5 – 151 overall
Round 7 – 193 overall (from San Jose)
Round 7 – 206 overall (from Utah)
Round 7 – 212 overall (from Minnesota)
Round 7 – 215 overall
Photo Credit: Ontario Hockey League (OHL)