Wassiyln, Humphries thrilled to be IceDogs
Niagara IceDogs first round pick Braidy Wassiyln is flanked by his parents, Kim, left, and Joey, right. Photo: BILL POTRECZ
Braidy Wassiyln was living the dream Saturday.
The 15-year-old centre was all smiles as he toured the Meridian Centre and met with the club’s staff and the media after being selected in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2024 Ontario Hockey League draft Friday night.
“It’s a great experience. It’s a dream come true, really,” the Newmarket native said, while parents Joey and Kim looked on. “I’ve grown up watching the OHL, following the IceDogs. Guys like Josh Ho Sang paved the way here. Very excited to get started. Just a world-class organization.”
Wassiyln had an inkling he might go to Niagara.
“A little bit. I came here, loved it here, so it was real exciting getting my name called by the IceDogs. Just super excited to get going,” he said.
Wassiyln, 6-foot-1, 195 pound centre from the Markham Majors, collected 31 goals and 62 points in 32 games last season.
“I love scoring goals,” he said. “I can put the puck in the back of the net, I can also use my teammates. I’m a great guy on and off the ice. I try to be the best leader I can be and I’m just a positive guy.”
Wassiyln cited Patrick Kane as a huge influence on his game.
“I try to pattern my game after him. He’s got great playmaking, a great shot and great hands.”
Wassiyln is well aware of the challenge of moving from minor hockey to the OHL.
“It is a big jump. Moving away from home, that’s going to be tough. Bigger guys, stronger guys and faster guys and better goalies so it’s going to be harder to score,” he said. “I’m just going to put in lots of work this summer and hope my game develops more and more and be one of the better guys on the team next year. Obviously I’m going to try and put on a few pounds and get bigger and stronger.”
HAPPY HUMPHRIES
Goaltender Matthew Humphries couldn’t believe his good fortune when he was selected in the third round (44th overall) by Niagara Friday night.
“It was wild. It was a dream come true. It’s been my dream ever since I started playing hockey. I’ve watched the OHL growing up and it’s always been my dream,” he said after touring the Meridian Centre with his parents, Chris and Rima Humphries.
Humphries, who played with Wassiyln on the Markham Majors last season, had his fingers crossed he might become an IceDog.
“Back in January we came here and toured the facility and loved it. We kind of stayed in touch with Adam Monore, the goalie coach. Skated with him once and before the draft my agent let me know Niagara was very interested in me and then when I heard my named called by the Niagara IceDogs it was great. This was definitely my favourite spot and this is where I want to be.”
Humphries is listed at 6-foot-2 and 181 pounds and appears to be even taller.
“I’m a big guy, definitely use my size to my advantage and I feel like I can move really well. Definitely one of the best parts of my game is my puck playing. I like to look at myself as a sixth defenceman out there,” he said.
Humphries is counting on making the jump to the OHL next season.
“I think I will be able to handle it and I think I will be comfortable,” he said.
Humphries took to goaltending when he was five years old, drawn to the position by the masks and pads.
“Being a goalie, I like the pressure. That’s why I am a goalie. Pressure doesn’t bother me,” he said.
The IceDogs wrapped up the draft with 14 more selections Saturday — seven defencemen, six forwards and one goaltender.
Jacob McMahon, a 6-foot-2 rearguard from Peterborough, was their first choice of the day.
IceDogs general manager Wes Consorti is hopeful McMahon can contend for a spot on the blueline next season.
“That’s up to the player, to be honest, if they show well at camp and force the coach’s hand. We hope he can push. He’s a great player, good program, good leader and a big body so we’re excited to see what he can do,” he said.
Following are the IceDogs 2024 selections.
Round 1: Braidy Wassilyn – Center – Markham Majors (4th overall).
Round 2: Maximus Crete – Center – Upper Canada Cyclones (30th overall).
Round 3: Matthew Humphries – Goalie – Markham Majors (44th overall).
Round 3: Nicholas Frasca – Left Defence – Toronto Marlboros (56th overall).
Round 4: Jacob McMahon – Left Defence – Peterborough Petes (68th overall).
Round 6: Charlie Hotles – Center – North York Rangers (113th overall).
Round 7: Chase McDougall – Left Wing – Huron-Perth Lakers (123rd overall).
Round 8: Brady Real – Left Defence – Soo Jr. Greyhounds (159th overall).
Round 8: Mateo Craievich – Right Defence – Elgin-Middlesex Canucks (160th overall).
Round 9: Matthew Ross – Right Wing – Oakville Rangers (163rd overall).
Round 9: Reece Matier – Left Wing – Niagara North Stars (181st overall).
Round 10: Evan Akerman – Goalie – Mississauga Senators (183rd overall).
Round 11: Luke Wachowiak – Left Defence – London Jr. Knights (219th overall).
Round 12: Teagan Hartnett – Left Defence – Oshawa Minor Generals (223rd overall).
Round 12: Jerry Wang – Right Defence – Mississauga Senators (227th overall).
Round 13: Carter Owen-Speelziek – Left Wing – Don Mills Flyers (243rd overall).
Round 14: Nicholas Muzzatti – Right Wing – York-Simcoe Express (263rd overall).
Round 14: Brady McConnell – Left Defence – Oakville Rangers (266th overall).
Dear reader. If you liked this story or one of the 5,900 other stories found on our website, please consider hitting the Support Us button on the right-hand side of our home page and making a PayPal contribution to our website. Your support would be much appreciated. If you are a business owner, please consider advertising on our site. Our rates are reasonable and we provide plenty of exposure for your business. Contact bpotrecz@outlook.com for more information.
