Anthony Popovich #33 formerly of the Wellington Dukes during a pre-game warmup (Photo by Ed McPherson / OJHL Images)
The NHL draft is this coming weekend and there will be several players with local connections, who could be throwing on an NHL jersey.
Goaltender Anthony Popovich, a Belleville native, is ranked 28th among North American goaltenders for his second draft eligible year.
Popovich, a grad of the Quinte Red Devils and Wellington Dukes, spent the year in Guelph of the OHL, where he appeared in 60 games for the storm.
This is Popovich’s second year of eligibility. He had a 3.44 GAA and a .902 SP in 60 games in 2017-18. He says getting more time in the OHL between the pipes really helped him.
The former Wellington Duke says he does not really know what to expect from the draft. He says if he does not get selected, he has been given a camp invite with the Dallas Stars.
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Jett Alexander of the North York Rangers (Photo by Ryan McCullough / OJHL Images)
Bloomfield native Jett Alexander was ranked 30th (among NA goalies) in mid-term rankings, however does not have a number ranking going into the weekend.
Nathan Dunkley, formerly of the Quinte Red Devils (Photo: Aaron Bell/OHL Images)
Former Quinte Red Devils Captain Nathan Dunkley is the most likely to go in the draft, ranked 109th among North American skaters. He jumped up from his mid term ranking of 132. The Campbellford native has spent time with the Kingston Frontenacs and now the London Knights of the OHL.
Brandon Saigeon (r) of the Hamilton Bulldogs celebrates a goal during the OHL playoffs (Photo: Aaron Bell/ OHL Images)
Brandon Saigeon was selected 4th overall in the 2015 OHL draft by the Belleville Bulls, the last draft the team had before moving to Hamilton. Saigeon had a break out year with 70 points and helped the Bulldogs to an OHL title and Memorial Cup semi-final birth. He is ranked 147th (North American) heading into the weekend.
Declan Carlile of the Wellington Dukes (Photo by Andy Corneau/DHC via OJHL Images)
There are two Wellington Dukes ranked among North American skaters. Declan Carlile of Hartland Michigan had 39 points this season for the Dukes and also agreed on an NCAA deal with Merrimack College. He is sitting 176th among NA skaters.
Finally, Mason Snell, who will head to Penn State in 2019-20, helped Wellington to an OJHL title, Dudley Hewitt Cup championship, and the RBC Cup nation finals. He is 185th.
Mason Snell with the Dudley Hewitt Cup (Photo by Andy Corneau/DHC via OJHL Images)
