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Guelph Storm with four high picks in tonight's OHL draft

Guelph will choose 14th overall for just the second time in team history
20211128 storm vs knights ts 5
Guelph picks 14th overall in Friday's OHL draft. The only other time they selected 14th they chose Danny Zhilkin.

In a draft that leans more toward talent at forward, the Guelph Storm will be looking to take advantage of four high picks in tonight's portion of the OHL draft.

Guelph has four of the first 43 picks in the draft – 14th overall in the first round, 30th and 31st overall in the second round and 43rd overall in the third round.

The first three rounds of the OHL Priority Selection happen online Friday night, starting at 7 p.m. The remaining 12 rounds go Saturday.

The Erie Otters made Halton Hurricanes defenceman Matt Schaefer the first overall pick on Thursday.

"Our guys have worked hard and we're set to go tonight. The focus is clearly on having four selections in the first 43," Burnett said. "We're set. We feel good about it. We're going to add some good young talent to our lineup."

Burnett said the Storm is not looking to trade one of those second rounders for other picks in future years.

The Storm will traditionally draft who they think is the best player available in the first round, regardless of position. It becomes somewhat more strategic after that.

Burnett said the draft seems a little stronger up front than on the blueline.

"I don't know if it's a balanced draft. I think there's some good, young defencemen but I'm not sure how many defencemen are ready to play .... I think it's probably a little stronger for forwards than defence."

Guelph has only picked 14th overall once in franchise history: 2019 when they chose Danny Zhilkin.

Other notables taken at 14 over the years include Ryan Abraham, Luke Evangalista, Nick Suzuki, Freddie Hamilton and Justin Azevedo.

The last time they had two picks in the second round was 2020 when they took Michael Buchinger and Jake Karabela.

Whether all four of the players Guelph drafts Friday, or any of those taken Saturday, make the team next year remains to be seen. This past season, 2022 first rounder Jett Luchanko, when healthy, was the only regular in the lineup from the 2022 draft. Second rounder Hunter McKenzie and third rounder Rowan Topp saw spot duty.

"I'm not sure there's going to be a lot of first-year kids (on the team next year)," Burnett said, adding that there is an import slot and a couple of players from last year's draft to consider, not just those drafted this weekend.

"I know a couple of those '06 kids had a really strong year of development."

As for using either of their second round picks on a high-end gamble, Burnett says it's unlikely.

"I think right now, on our first three picks we want to be certain on those," Burnett said of rolling the dice on an undecided player or a high-end American who may not come to the OHL.

"I guess there's always a chance after those picks. There's more of a chance tomorrow (in rounds four through 15)."


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Tony Saxon

About the Author: Tony Saxon

Tony Saxon has had a rich and varied 30 year career as a journalist, an award winning correspondent, columnist, reporter, feature writer and photographer.
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