Forrest first local player selected
Alex Forrest is going from an Oakville Ranger to a Kitchener Ranger.
The 15-year-old St. Catharines native was the first local player selected Friday in the 2025 Ontario Priority Selection when he was chosen by the Kitchener Rangers with the first selection of the second round.
“It’s been honestly a great experience for myself and my family,” the Denis Morris student said. “It feels like a one hundred pound weight has just been lifted off my shoulders and I’m just so relieved and excited that it was Kitchener. They’re an amazing organization, one of the best in the OHL, and they have a history of developing guys to the next level.”
Forrest said he took a quick call from the Rangers after being selected and was scheduled to go to Kitchener Saturday to meet some of their staff and players.
There was no panic when he saw the first round concluded without himbeing selected.
“There were only three D in the first round so you have to look how many D were drafted and to be the fourth D drafted out of a lot of talented D in this draft, it was an honour,” he said. “Even though it wasn’t in the first round, it was the first pick in the second round to Kitchener.
“Honestly, it’s a surreal feeling and it’s more about the fit of the place than the round.”
He gathered with friends and family for the big moment.
“When I heard my name, it was an incredible feeling and I got to celebrate with my parents who also played a big role. My mom, Corinne, my dad, Chris, and my stepdad, Kevin McNeil, they spent countless hours driving me to the rink. So to hug them, shake their hand, and thank them for all the hard work and driving and money spent on me, it was good to know that all that paid off.”
Forrest said he plans a summer of hard work to get ready for training camp.
“The real work starts now so I have to go to a training camp and rookie camp and develop and impress and continue being in the gym getting stronger to prepare for the OHL next year.”
Forrest is currently playing for the St. Catharines Rankin Construction Falcons in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League playoffs which he feels will also aid in his development.
“I think junior B is definitely preparing me for going to camp and playing against older guys. It’s definitely helping my development as a player,” he said “I’m excited. Coach Tyler (Bielby) with the Falcons has given me this wonderful opportunity. I can’t thank him more for having trust in me.”
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