Seven OHL Players have been named to Canada Red's roster; a team breakdown ahead of the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Charlottetown & Summerside, PEI.
The 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge officially gets underway on Thursday November 2nd in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
The majority of these players are eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, but some will have to wait until the 2026 Draft, due to late birthdays. This is the first real look that scouts get at this draft class on the international stage.
There is a hefty Ontario presence on the two Canadian teams at this tournament, as Canada Red has 7 OHL-ers on their roster. Many of these Ontario-born players already have a strong start to their OHL careers, and are looking to add to their hockey resumes.
Ryan Roobroeck, LW, Niagara IceDogs
The London, Ontario-born, goal-scoring winger was selected 2nd overall by Niagara in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection.
Roobroeck played minor hockey with the London Jr. Knights, where he put up a monster draft year with 51 goals & 79 points through 30 games.
In the OHL thus far, there haven't been many surprises with Roobroeck. He has been able to produce and create offensively with the puck on the first line. He has some dis-engagement issues away from the puck, and still has some learning to do, but he has lived up to standards at the junior level thus far.
Roobroeck will surely help Canada Red on the scoresheet, and he is expected to be one of the bigger offensive presences on this team.
Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds
Due to injury, Brady Martin hasn't been able to play any regular season games in the OHL thus far. The goal is that he is ready to play in this tournament, and rejoin the Greyhounds once it concludes.
Martin was the 3rd overall pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, largely due to his phenomenal performance at the 2023 OHL Cup in April.
Martin has it all; the size, the strength, the explosiveness, and the shot. He translates almost seamlessly to the junior level, and he is a player that you want to be aware of when he is on the ice.
The Elmira, Ontario native should also be expected to make a big footprint on this tournament. Martin is an exciting player, and definitely one to watch in all areas of the game.
Jake O'Brien, RW, Brantford Bulldogs
The OHL Cup MVP, Jake O'Brien, was selected 8th overall by the Brantford Bulldogs back in April.
The right winger has had a hot start to his OHL career with 6 points in 9 games. O'Brien has been playing a large role with the Bulldogs, on a team with limited offensive skill.
O'Brien possesses the ability to drive play in the offensive zone, and talented playmaking skills. He may not have the biggest spotlight on him in the U17's, but he is a sneaky player to watch out for.
Luca Romano, RW, Kitchener Rangers
Luca Romano has played a middle six role with the Rangers thus far, and has found success. He has put up 3 points in 11 games, but visually he has translated to the junior level very well. He generates a lot offensively, and his offensive creativity has been on full display.
Romano will reunite with his Toronto Jr. Canadiens teammate Jake O'Brien on Canada Red, as they will look to rebuild some chemistry.
Ryan Brown, LW, Sarnia Sting
Ryan Brown has had the most productive start out of this group of OHLers, as he has gotten a lot of exposure with the Sting.
Brown played his U16 year with the top-heavy York-Simcoe Express, where he was second on the team in scoring. The Sting took Brown at 17th overall, potentially a little higher than where he was originally projected. Nonetheless, the Sting's pick has paid off so far.
Sarnia is in rebuild-mode, but have found recent success with the help of Ryan Brown. Brown has 7 points in 10 games with the Sting. He has had the freedom to take risks and opportunities offensively, playing alongside defensive centreman and captain, Cooper Way.
Quinn Beauchesne, RD, Guelph Storm
As the only Ontario-born defender on this list, Quinn Beauchesne will be playing alongside some unfamiliar faces on the blue line.
Beauchesne — Guelph's 14th overall pick — has played 8 games so far with the Storm. The Ottawa, Ontario native played with the U18 Nepean Raiders last season, putting up 35 points in 28 games.
There is a lot of strong company from the WHL in this defensive core, and Beauchesne will have to earn himself a spot in this lineup.
Isaac Gravelle, G, Oshawa Generals
Goaltender Isaac Gravelle is the only player on this list who has not played an OHL game yet, but his potential as a 2025 Draft eligible goaltender is great.
Gravelle is playing this season with the Port Colborne Sailors in the GOJHL (Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League), where he is spending another year developing. Gravelle will likely get into a couple of games this year with the Generals, and will most definitely earn a roster spot next season.
The 2nd round pick will look to earn Canada Red's starting role before the round robin concludes.
Canada Red plays their first game on November 2nd against Finland, as they look to begin the tournament with a win.
