In a rare move, the Sarnia Sting drafted a goalie in the first round of the 2019 OHL draft.
Ben Gaudreau from the North Bay Trappers became just the eighth goalie to be drafted in the first round in the past 20 years. He posted a 1.13 GAA in 21 games this past season.
OHL Central Scouting describes Gaudreau as one of the top goalies in this year’s Priority Selection.
"He is a big goalie that has a presence in the net and plays with a lot of confidence. He challenges well and has the ability to make the desperation-save when needed. Pucks hit him a lot as he plays most of the game at the top of his crease. Benjamin is technically sound and plays a solid butterfly style. He will be one of the first goalies taken this year."
Sting GM Nick Sinclair had high praise for Gaudreau.
"We think he's very, very elite. We've watched him all year and think he's one of the best goalies that we've seen come through in the past ten years. We think he has the ability to be a cornerstone and the foundation of our group going forward here. Obviously, goaltending is a hugely important position for success. He's just an outstanding young man, too. Very mature and professional."
The Sting selected centre Justin O'Donnell from the Toronto Marlboros in the second round, 35th overall. O'Donnell had 37 goals and 31 assists in 72 games.
OHL Central Scouting describes O'Donnell as a versatile forward that can play all three forward positions and is used in every role by his coaches.
"He is a very hard-working player that always has his feet going. He forechecks hard and isn’t afraid to throw his body around. He is a good skater that jumps into holes well and creates offence using his speed. Justin plays a complete 200-foot game. He doesn’t cheat in the defensive zone to create offence and he does all the little things well that coaches appreciate."
Sinclair said He's excited about O'Donnell's potential.
"We're really excited to add him into our mix as well. He plays with a lot of grit and passion but also has really good skill. He has good size, we see him as a guy who gets 35 goals or more as he gets older. He plays the right way, doesn't take short cuts. He's very versitile, a type of player that can play in all situations."
Here's a full list of the Sarnia Sting's 2019 draft choices:
RD OV Team Player Name Pos Height Weight DOB Last Team Source 1 7 Sarnia Gaudreau, Benjamin G 6.01 160 01/11/2003 North Bay Trappers MAAA NOHA 2 35Sarnia
Sarnia