Wil McFadden scores his first career OHL goal as the Guelph Storm steal the win on the road in Mississauga's school-day game.
Guelph Storm rookie winger Wil McFadden scored his first career OHL goal in the overtime win versus the Mississauga Steelheads on Wednesday.
In the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, the Guelph Storm had two selections in the second round. The Storm picked two forwards with tremendously high offensive-upside; Parker Snelgrove & Wil McFadden. Both have played in games for the Storm, but neither have scored their first OHL goals. McFadden changed that today.
Hunter McKenzie forechecks the puck in the right corner, and is able to gain possession to sauce it up to Michael Buchinger at the point. Buchinger bobbles the puck, but is able to settle it down and rotate his body towards the net. He sends a high shot towards the net, and none Wil McFadden is there to bat down the puck and deflect it into the net. Nothing but smiles on McFadden's face when that puck crosses the goal line.
This is an impressive play for a young player to make, and knocking down a shot that high isn't as easy as it looks. McFadden possesses phenomenal hands and deception with the puck on his stick. He makes plays that will catch your eye and make you do a double-take.
In U16, McFadden was the consistent offensive weapon on the OMHA-winning Peterborough Petes. His secret weapon on this team was his "behind the back pass" from behind the net.
He would take the puck behind the net on his forehand, and quickly drop the puck backwards on his backhand, where a teammate would be waiting to tap it in the open net.
This was just one of the tools that McFadden displayed in minor hockey, and struck many scout's eyes ahead of the draft.
McFadden scores the first goal of the game, as the Storm continued on to steal the win in overtime by a score of 3-2. Guelph plays the "bad guys" in the Steelheads' school-day game, which held over 5,000 students in attendance.
Several young players put their fingerprints on this game, as 2006-born winger Jett Luchenko capitalized in the 3rd period. For the Steelheads, rookie Kieran Witkowski scored his second career goal, and rookie Luke Dragusica picked up an assist.
This goal is the first of many for McFadden, who has a bright OHL career ahead of him. This is the first milestone in his journey, as he begins to work towards the 2025 NHL Draft.