As the OHL Priority Selection gets underway in just two weeks, we end the U16 AAA hockey season with a final matchup between the Vaughan Kings vs. Oakville Rangers at the OHL Cup.
The best tournament in minor hockey concludes today with one final game at the OHL Cup; Vaughan Kings vs. Oakville Rangers.
The 2024 OHL Priority Selection is just under two weeks away, and this final game concludes the OHL scouting season. There are plenty of names in this matchup that will hear their names called early at the OHL Draft, and potentially a few that could go on to have professional careers.
For the U16 Vaughan Kings, they have several names that are highly touted for the 2024 OHL Draft.
Defenceman Zachary Nyman has been regarded as the top defenceman eligible in this draft class. His elite skating ability is what catches the eye primarily, as his edges, footwork, and stride are all at an elite level already. Nyman skates like no one else in his age group. His vision will also make him an offensive catalyst from the blue line at the major junior level.
Forwards Alessandro Di Iorio, Alex Hage, Ben Bowen, and Caleb Malhotra have all been dominant all season long for Vaughan up front. Alex Hage — the brother of Michael Hage (Chicago Steel) — and Caleb Malhotra — the son of Manny Malhotra — both have talented hockey ties.
Di Iorio and Bowen are both bigger, stronger forwards with dominant puck control and nifty hands around the offensive zone. Vaughan has no shortage of options up front, and these four forwards are also likely to have their names called early on.
Andrew Robinson, Cole Emerton, and Michael D'Alessio have also been making their presences felt on the blue line for the Kings.
For the U16 Oakville Rangers, they have a 6-foot-4, 16 year old up front — Ethan Belchetz. Belchetz has the chance to go very high in this year's OHL Draft because of his combination of size, and ability to create offensively despite his size. His shot, hands, and offensive vision are all high-end — and he's 6-foot-4. There isn't much not to like about Belchetz' game.
Oakville also has dynamic, playmaking centre Ryder Carey down the middle. Carey's playmaking vision is high-end, and he projects as a potential top-six centre at the major junior level.
Up front, Oakville also has Evan Headrick, Christian Armstrong, and Matthew Ross — two smaller, nifty, creative forwards. Johnny Brooks has continued to be tough around the net for the Rangers and he has produced in this tournament as a result.
On the blue line, Oakville has Callum Croskery who has been tendered by the USHL's Chicago Steel. Croskery is another top defender in this age group, and it is his smooth-skating and offensive vision that make him special.
Defender Teddy Low has also had a fantastic tournament for Oakville that has likely put him on team's radars.
In net, goaltender Jacob Ceranic has been fantastic during the OHL Cup for his team.
Vaughan and Oakville played each other in the very first game of the OHL Cup this week, and the Kings came out with a 4-3 win in overtime. Oakville was up 3-1 at one point in the game, and Vaughan was able to come back and take the win in the extra frame.
Today's game will be close, and with lots of high-quality draft talent on display, big players will step up.
The OHL Cup Final between Vaughan and Oakville will be played at 2:00pm EST on Saturday, March 30th at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto. The game can also be streamed for free on CHL TV.