It is an event over a quarter-century in the making.
The Ontario Hockey League are holding their first live player draft since 2000 this Friday and Saturday.
Team and league executives, prospects and their families, and hockey fans from across Ontario are in Kingston to witness a bit of history.
Director of Communications with the OHL Josh Sweetland says the league and the teams have been in town conducting business throughout the week.
The draft will take place inside Slush Puppie Place, home of the Kingston Frontenacs, with the first round on Friday night starting at 7: p.m.
In prior drafts when it was done virtually, the team with the first overall pick would announce their selection the day before and hold a news conference in their home venue to introduce that player.
Sweetland says that will no longer be the case this time.
The Oshawa Generals hold the first selection in the draft, the Frontenacs have the 10th pick in the first round. (the Ice Dogs have the 9th pick in the first round; the Petes have the 13th pick in the first round)
One thing that you will notice is there will be no trades being made during the draft. Teams had until Thursday to acquire players or picks through trades and won’t do so again until after the draft is completed.
Sweetland says this is to keep things simplified.
The OHL is hoping the live draft will have the spectical and atmosphere of drafts in professional sports leagues.
Sweetland says it will be especially exciting for the eligible 15-year-olds who will be waiting to hear their names called.
Rounds two to 15 of the draft will be held Saturday starting at 9:00 a.m. also at Slush Puppie Place.
(Written by: Ken Hashizume)
