For the first time since 1992, the Guelph Storm held the first overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection Draft.
Yesterday, they unveiled Toronto Jr. Canadiens star D-man Ryan Merkley as their choice, making Merkley the 36th recipient of the annual Jack Ferguson award, given to the first overall pick.
"Firs off, he's a winner, very competitive, and cares a great deal about winning," says Storm GM Mike Kelly. "The fact he cares so much is a big factor. Also, his ability to read plays and make exceptional passes and decisions, it's something you maybe see in a player every five years. We watched him frequently and found ourselves saying 'How did he make that pass' or 'How on earth did he see that play develop' and it really sets him apart."
Merkley says he sees himself as a mobile, puck moving D-man.
"I think I see the ice well, can skate well and move the puck. I kind of see myself in the style of an Erik Karlsson, maybe Duncan Keith, too," he says.
Merkley was a big component of the Jr. Canadiens this year in the GTHL, racking up seven goals and 37 assists from the blue-line for 44 points. He credits a lot of his success to his late coach Tyler Cragg, the Jr. Canadiens coach who tragically passed away on December 7 of last year after a three-year battle with brain cancer.
"I want to thank him for taking a chance on me and helping me develop and gain confidence as a player," says Merkley. "He did a lot for me... I definitely want to thank him a lot."
This is the first time the Storm have picked first since they took Jeff O'Neill first overall in 1992. All O'Neill did was set the franchise mark in points, and was the first player to have his jersey retired by the franchise earlier this year.
Merkley says he looks forward to leaving his own mark.
"To be in the same vein as a first overall pick like McDavid, Stamkos, Spezza, it's pretty amazing," he says. "I'm looking forward to playing here and playing really well, to help this team win championships."
2016 OHL 1st overall pick Ryan Merkley poses in front of the Guelph Storm logo.