(Ben Danford Photo: OHL Draft Guide)
A successful season for the Quinte “AAA” Madison Excavating Under 16 Red Devils was capped off with a dozen players selected in the Ontario Hockey League’s Priority Draft this weekend.
As expected right shot defenceman Ben Danford was taken in the first round, 14th overall and he won’t be playing too far from home. The Madoc native is headed to the Oshawa Generals.
According to one OHL scout “Ben is one of the best skating defencemen that I have seen at this age. His elusiveness and edge work are exceptional, his mobility and lateral movement make the game seem so easy for him. He controls and generates most of his team’s offence from the blue line. Ben’s vision and playmaking are elite. He isn’t overly physical, but defends well with his stick and body positioning. He is a top-end prospect and will make an impact at the next level”.
Danford’s Red Devils defence partner Braedyn Rogers went in the second round to the Owen Sound Attack.
SCOUTING REPORT: Braedyn is a very versatile defenceman that
plays well in all three zones. His skating ability allows him to beat
forecheckers and break the puck out easily, and he doesn’t hesitate
to jump into the rush or lead it because of his quickness. He is one
of the best two-way defenders in the ETA, understands his position
and does a good job using his skating ability to defend. Braedyn takes the body on a regular occasion”.
Third round picks included defencemen Reed Gee by Flint and
Carson Campbell by Sarnia.
Selected in Round 4 were were centres Ethan Toms to Oshawa and Jared Langdon by Owen Sound and goaltender Michael McIvor by North Bay.
Also drafted were rearguard Jared Woodley by London, goalie Glen McInnes by Barrie, right wing Beckett Ewart by North Bay and Thomas Kiupers by Erie and centre Brody Partridge by the Peterborough Petes.
