IceDogs add goalie in U18 draft
The Niagara IceDogs added to their goaltending depth at the Ontario Hockey League Under-18 Priority Selection Wednesday.
The IceDogs selected netminder Jacob Osborne from the Ottawa Jr. Senators major midgets with the second overall pick and Niagara general manager Joey Burke feels the 17-year-old backstop has a legitimate chance to compete for a job next season.
“We targeted Jacob for this draft and knew we wanted to take him second overall,” Burke said. “He’s a guy who’s had the pedigree for a while. We’re surprised he got through the draft last year. As far as the U18 draft goes, he’s got as good a chance as anyone who’s every been taken in this thing to really come in and make an impact in this league.
“He’s in the mix. He has every chance to come in and compete for one (roster spot).”
Burke said the IceDogs passed on taking any netminders in Saturday’s OHL Priority Selection with the knowledge they were going to select Osborne.
“He’s a guy we liked as much, if not more, than the top draft-eligible guys this year,” Burke said. “We knew we had the flexibility. We didn’t have to take one because we knew he would be there for us today and we’re thrilled that he was.”
Osborne compiled a 1.81 goals-against average and .934 save percentage last season for the Jr. Senators.
“Last year, I got a lot of calls from teams and thought I would potentially go,” Osborne said. “I knew Niagara was talking to my coach and my agent so I got the hint that I might get drafted.
“I wasn’t 100 per cent sure that I would be going second overall, but it’s a pleasant surprise. I’m very excited.”
Osborne, who had virtually identical statistics last season, said he used being spurned as motivation.
“I was definitely surprised I didn’t get drafted,” he said. “I was a little bit upset but that motivated me to train that much harder. In a way it helped me develop even more and make me a better goalie. I feel like I’m in a better position now than last year if I got drafted.”
Osborne joins incumbents Tucker Tynan, Andrew MacLean, Christian Sbaraglia and Josh Rosenzweig on the depth chart.
“With Tucker’s injury there is a degree of uncertainty,” Burke said.
Burke plans to contact Tynan, who suffered a severe season-ending leg injury in December, in the coming weeks for an update.
“We’re going to touch base with him to make sure everything is on course for the summer,” he said. “Obviously the shutdowns during the pandemic aren’t going to speed things up for him unfortunately.”
Osborne has high hopes of contending for a spot this season.
“My goal is to definitely come in and make the team and push the starter and hopefully get that job at a certain point,” he said. “I just want to get lots of minutes and be the best goalie I can be.
“My goal is to definitely play on the team next year.”
The IceDogs also chose forward Andras Mihalik from the Toronto Titans in the second round. The winger had five goals and nine points in 31 games.
“He has played internationally with the U20 Hungarian team last year,” Burke said. “He brings a power forward kind of a game and a nice high energy, hard-working skill set.
“We’re happy to be able to bring him in.”
The IceDogs also selected forward Liam Shwedyk from the Niagara North Stars with their third and final selection.
The 17-year-old Ancaster native led the North Stars in scoring with 17 goals and 30 points in 32 games.
“We had a lot of time for him in his draft year and it just didn’t work out for him or for us,” Burke said. “We obviously watched the Niagara team more than any others this year and we felt he was their strongest offensive threat consistently.
“He has taken that stride that you want to see from a guy who may be more of a late bloomer.”
Goaltender Ben Bonisteel of the North Stars was selected in the first round by the Barrie Colts.
Bonisteel, native of Pelham, had a 1.49 goals-against average in 17 games and also played in one game for the St. Catharines Falcons.
The concept for the U18 draft was developed in 2017 with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches including the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), and Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO), to assist in the growth of midget hockey and provide further opportunities for players at different stages of their hockey development.
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, as well as on the top of the stories, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
