With the OHL Priority Selection set to begin tonight, the Peterborough Petes are in full swing preparing for the draft that will shape the future of their team.
General Manager Mike Oke says the exhaustive efforts of the Petes’ scouting team to find the best players is a year long process, spanning from summer festivals and camps to regular season games and special tournaments. With thousands of games watched and countless player evaluations, Oke says the Petes leave no stone unturned in their quest to identify talent.
He says the scouting process involves a meticulous ranking and rating system, with scouts providing detailed reports on players’ individual skills and abilities. These reports are then thoroughly discussed in scouting meetings, where the team determines the type of players and characteristics they are seeking.
When it comes to draft day strategy, Oke says the initial focus is on selecting the best available player regardless of position. However, as the draft progresses, considerations are made based on the team’s depth chart and positional needs.
Regarding tonight’s draft, where the Petes hold the third overall pick, Oke expressed confidence in the team’s ability to select players who would contribute significantly to the organization both in the short and long term.
In discussing what makes a future Peterborough Pete, Oke highlighted the importance of competitiveness, skill, and willingness to be coached. He emphasized the value of players who prioritize team success over individual accolades and blend seamlessly into the collective unit.
Oke also addressed the misconception that draft position determines a player’s future success, citing numerous examples of late-round picks who have made significant contributions to the Petes’ roster in recent years.
Tonight’s OHL Priority Selection will showcase rounds 1 through 3, with rounds 4 to 15 scheduled for tomorrow.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
