IceDogs get top draft pick signed
Wassilyn commits to Niagara after averaging nearly two points per game
Braidy Wassilyn, described as “one of the most dynamic and offensively gifted players” in the Ontario Hockey League draft this year, has committed to the Niagara IceDogs.
The IceDogs said in a post on their website the six-foot-one, 195pound centre — the team’s first pick in the draft with the fourth selection overall — has signed an OHL scholarship and development agreement.
Interim general manager Wes Consorti said in announcing the signing that Thursday marked a “great day for the organization and the region of Niagara.”
“Braidy is a high-octane player who will make an immediate impact on our roster, both on and off the ice,” Consorti said.
Wassilyn, a left-hand shot from Campbellville, Ont., who turns 16 next month, is coming off a season in which he scored 31 goals and collected 31 assists in 32 games in the Greater Toronto Hockey League while serving as captain of the Markham Majors. He also played for Team Canada at the Youth Olympics in Gangwon, South Korea.
He was highly regarded by OHL Central Scouting heading into the 15-round draft, conducted online April 12 and 13.
“Braidy is one of the most dynamic and offensively gifted players in this year’s priority selection. He is a threat every time he is on the ice and will constantly challenge defenders with his speed and his skill,” Central Scouting said in a pre-draft assessment.
“He is a dangerous one-on-one player as he has the size, skill and speed that make him hard to handle all over the ice.”
Fans can get their first glimpse at Wassilyn at the team’s orientation camp Saturday at Meridian Centre in St. Catharines. He is among 40 players invited.
Two on-ice sessions — to be held from 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. — are open to the public with free admission.
In all, the IceDogs selected 17 players — eight defencemen, seven forwards and two goaltenders — in the regular draft and a defenceman, a forward and a goaltender in the under-18 draft.