The North Bay Battalion successfully completed the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, drafting 17 recruits over two days, marking the league's first in-person event since 2000. The selections included nine forwards, six defencemen, and two goaltenders. General Manager John Winstanley expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the depth and talent in this year's draft. Among the highlights was goaltender Owen Loftus, selected 11th overall, and centre Alexandre Saulnier, chosen 35th overall, who showcased impressive scoring capabilities in their previous seasons.

By the Numbers
  • 17 recruits selected: 9 forwards, 6 defencemen, 2 goaltenders
  • 301 skaters and goaltenders chosen across the league
State of Play
  • The draft was conducted in Kingston, signaling a return to in-person events after more than 20 years.
  • North Bay aimed to address team needs while adding top-end talent across all positions.
What's Next

The Battalion will focus on the development of newly drafted players, fostering relationships to maximize their potential as they transition to higher levels of competition. The organization will also look to integrate these players into training camps and future team dynamics.

Bottom Line

The successful draft positions the North Bay Battalion to strengthen their roster and build toward future successes in the OHL. By leveraging a deep talent pool, the team aims to improve overall performance and community engagement through its newly acquired recruits.