VISAN, BENAYON, MCDONALD TAKEN BY OTTERS IN 2022 U18 DRAFT
Erie, Pennsylvania – Priority Selection Draft week would come to a close on Thursday night, as the Erie Otters would participate in the 2022 Ontario Hockey League Under-18 Priority Selection Draft.
The final OHL Draft of the year, The Under 18 Priority Selection arrives days after the Priority Selection Draft, which saw the Otters select 16 new prospects aged 15 to 16 over 15 rounds. Much like the name implies, the U18 Draft – which started in 2017 – gives teams the opportunity to select any draft-eligible player under the age of 18 – giving players a second-chance at catching scouts’ eyes.
In the 2021-22 season, three players selected during U18 Drafts hit the ice for the Otters: Otters’ Captain Daniel D’Amato (#4, 2018), Defenseman Ryan Thompson (#8 overall to North Bay, 2019), and Goaltender Marshall Nicholls (#28 overall, 2020).
The sixth-annual U18 Draft would see the Otters come in with three picks, including a top-three pick for the second time in team-history. Looking to build upon the success from the weekend’s Priority Selection Draft, Erie would have the 2nd overall (first time in team-history), 22nd overall, and 42nd overall picks.
2nd OVERALL:
The first-ever 2nd overall pick for the Erie Otters in the U18 Draft, Goaltender Vlad Visan played the 2021-22 season with the Burlington Eagles U18 AAA of the OMHA-SCTA.
In 13 total games with the Eagles, the 16-year-old collected a 1.70 GAA in the regular season, and 0.99 GAA in the post-season. The Burlington, ON native also grabbed five shutouts during the season. In the Big Nickel U18 tournament, Visan grabbed a 5-0 record in five games with a 1.20 GAA and a shutout. Visan was awarded best GAA in the SCTA during the season with his 1.70. U18 Scout Jay Harakal spoke to the abilities of Visan in net.
“Vlad has a high compete level with a strong technical game. His work ethic is second to none.” said Harakal, “He rises to the occasion when called upon and gives his team a chance to win every game.”
Measuring in at 6’2″, 225 lbs., the southpaw goaltender will have a chance to be in the mix during the 2022-23 preseason for the Erie Otters.
22nd OVERALL:
Selected with the 22nd overall pick, Left Winger Zachary Benayon spent the 2021-22 season between the GTHL and OJHL, suiting up in 11 games with the latter. In his 11 games with the Georgetown Raiders of the OJHL, Benayon grabbed a goal and assist in 11 games.
The 17-year-old Vaughan, ON native measures in at 6’0″, 172 lbs. as a southpaw. U18 Scout Joe Trentadue spoke highly of Benayon’s ability.
“Zach is a strong skater that likes to go to the dirty areas to create scoring chances.” said Trentadue, “He has a nice combination of size and skill.”
With his experience in Jr. A, and tenacity after the puck, Benayon will compete for a spot on the Opening Night roster in the Fall.
42nd OVERALL:
The final pick of the 2022 U18 Priority Selection, Forward Bruce McDonald comes in after spending the 2021-22 season with the Renfrew Wolves U18 AAA, Valley Timberwolves (EOJHL), and Renfrew Wolves (CCHL).
In 32 games with the Renfrew Wolves U18 AAA, McDonald grabbed 44 points (16G+28A), with an additional three points (0G+3A) in 10 games in the EOJHL and CCHL.
McDonald measures in at 6’0″, 172 lbs. – similarly to second round pick Zachary Benayon.
| RD | OV | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
| 1 | 2 | Vlad Visan | G | 6.02 | 225 | 10/02/2005 | Burlington Eagles U18 AAA | OMHA – SCTA |
| 2 | 22 | Zachary Benayon | LW | 6.00 | 172 | 01/25/2005 | Georgetown Raiders | OJHL |
| 3 | 42 | Bruce McDonald | F | 6.00 | 172 | 12/18/2004 | Renfrew Wolves U18 AAA | HEO U18 |
The Erie Otters come into the 2022-23 season as an experienced, youth-lead team with open opportunity for players ready to make an impact. Especially after the loss of key scorers in the Overage group of Dan D’Amato, Brendan Sellan, and Brendan Hoffmann, there will be chances for the next generation of Otters to step in.
With the addition of these three players from the U18 Draft, Erie has selected 19 total players via Drafts this offseason.
ALL-TIME U18 SELECTIONS (incl. 2022 picks):
| Year | RD | OV | Player Name | Pos | Height | Weight | DOB | Last Team | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 2 | Vlad Visan | G | 6.02 | 225 | 10/02/2005 | Burlington Eagles U18 AAA | OMHA – SCTA |
| 2019 | 1 | 3 | Connor Olson | LD | 6.01 | 169 | 03/28/2002 | Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs MAAA | MHAO |
| 2018 | 1 | 4 | Daniel D’Amato | RW | 5.11.25 | 146 | 04/08/2001 | Vaughan Kings MAAA | GTHL |
| 2020 | 1 | 8 | Ethan Broderick | RD | 5.07.75 | 157 | 07/07/2003 | Guelph Gryphons MAAA | OMHA – SCTA |
| 2021 | 1 | 16 | Anthony Piccininno | LW | 5.07 | 144 | 04/01/2004 | Don Mills Flyers U18 AAA | GTHL |
| 2017 | 1 | 20 | Matthew Giannini | RW | 5.07.5 | 144 | 08/25/2000 | Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs Midget AAA | OMHA – SCTA |
| 2022 | 2 | 22 | Zachary Benayon | LW | 6.00 | 172 | 01/25/2005 | Georgetown Raiders | OJHL |
| 2019 | 2 | 23 | Bryce Walcarius | G | 6.01 | 150 | 03/01/2002 | Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs MAAA | MHAO |
| 2018 | 2 | 24 | Darius Vitug | RW | 5.08.5 | 174 | 04/01/2002 | Toronto Jr. Canadiens MAAA | GTHL |
| 2021 | 2 | 25 | MacGregor Armstrong | LD | 6.03 | 185 | 02/04/2003 | Niagara North Stars U18 AAA | OMHA – SCTA |
| 2020 | 2 | 28 | Marshall Nicholls | G | 5.10.5 | 155 | 06/18/2003 | Waterloo Wolves MAAA | MHAO |
| 2017 | 2 | 40 | Anthony Carraretto | LW | 5.08.5 | 147 | 10/05/2000 | Toronto Nationals Midget AAA | GTHL |
| 2022 | 2 | 42 | Bruce McDonald | F | 6.00 | 172 | 12/18/2004 | Renfrow Wolves U18AAA | HEO U18 |
| 2019 | 3 | 43 | Zachary Power | RW | 5.06.25 | 132 | 08/20/2002 | Rockland Nationals MAAA | HEO Midget |
| 2020 | 3 | 47 | Blake Yetman | RW | 5.09.25 | 128 | 10/02/2002 | Whitby Wildcats MAAA | OMHA – ETA |
| 2017 | 3 | 60 | William Anderson | G | 6.01 | 186 | 04/01/2000 | Kemptville 73s Midget AAA | OEMHL |
| 2017 | 4 | 80 | Jayden Vaughan | LW | 5.10 | 152 | 06/01/2000 | Toronto Jr. Canadiens Midget AAA | GTHL |
| 2017 | 5 | 96 | Evan Miller | C | 5.06.75 | 127 | 03/07/2000 | Niagara North Stars Midget AAA | OMHA – SCTA |
The Erie Otters are thrilled to welcome Vlad, Zachary, and Bruce to the Flagship City, and see what they can bring to Erie in the Fall at Training Camp.
Keep up with all the Otters picks and results on OttersHockey.com or across the Otters’ social media. For all results of the 2022 U18 Priority Selection, please head to OntarioHockeyLeague.com.
For the latest Otters news, visit OttersHockey.com, or follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/erieottershockey), Twitter (@ErieOtters), and Instagram (@ErieOtters).
For further information on the Erie Otters and for media inquiries, please contact Shawn Bednard at shawn.bednard@ottershockey.com.
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