The 2007 age group has been making waves in the OHL this year, here is an update on the 2023 OHL Draft class and who is standing out early in their major junior career.
The 2007 age group has been making waves in the OHL this year, here is an update on the 2023 OHL Draft class and who is standing out early in their major junior career.
The 2007 age group in Ontario is definitely one to be aware of. Exceptional status pick Michael Misa is the spotlight of this age group, but I want to take a look at the 2007-born rookies who were drafted in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection.
Here is a brief breakdown of the top 5 picks in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection and how they have panned out in their rookie seasons:
1st Overall: Matthew Schaefer, Erie Otters
First overall pick Matthew Schaefer hasn't exactly "blown" people away with his performance in his rookie season, but he has been solid for the Otters. He has 14 points through 44 games, playing big minutes on a bleak defensive core.
Erie allows a lot of goals, and it can be difficult for their young talent to stand out. Schaefer still has a high trajectory as a professional player, it has just taken him some time to adjust his defensive game to this level. His skating and puck moving ability have translated quite well.
2nd Overall: Ryan Roobroeck, Niagara IceDogs
As of late, Ryan Roobroeck has been dominant on a nightly basis for the Niagara IceDogs. His goal-scoring ability has surely translated to the major junior level, as he is just one away from the 20 goal mark through 45 games.
Roobroeck has begun to round out other areas of his game, including his skating and his compete away from the puck. He has gained a step in speed as the season has progressed, and he is visibly trying harder on the ice.
3rd Overall: Brady Martin, Soo Greyhounds
After beginning the season injured, Brady Martin started a step behind these fellow rookies. On a very strong Greyhounds team, he isn't playing too much but has made his presence felt. His strength and physical edge has continued to be a factor in the Soo's bottom six, and he has been a decent source of secondary offence.
Martin has 13 points through 33 games this season. With several top Greyhounds aging out next season, Martin will move up in the lineup. He should be expected to have a big breakout performance next season — his draft eligible season.
4th Overall: Tyler Hopkins, Kingston Frontenacs
Tyler Hopkins is another player who has been stuck inside the bottom-six on a middle-tier team. He's spent almost the entire season low in the lineup, and has just 8 points through 41 games.
Hopkins is a speedy, offensive creator who needs top-six minutes in order to succeed. In his U16 season, he was a contributor every single night, being his team's go-to player. If Hopkins can get some top-six time next season, his production will increase tremendously as well.
5th Overall: Ethan Czata, Niagara IceDogs
Ethan Czata has really developed into a defensively-responsible centre at this level. He is strong in the faceoff dot, and he plays heavy penalty kill minutes. Czata's offensive game hasn't exactly panned out at this level, struggling to create and finish.
Czata has been getting every opportunity to succeed in the IceDogs system, but tends to turn the puck over a lot and make mistakes. These are common issues for rookies, and hopefully Czata can correct these in his sophomore season.