Luchanko leads new local cohort into OHL ranks
A dozen London-area players were chosen in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, led by Jr. Knights standout Jett Luchanko (12th overall to Guelph Storm). And now? The new cohort prepares to take the next step in their hockey careers.
(Photo: Wild Ave Photography)
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The strength of London-area talent was on display at the OHL Priority Selection last weekend, as a dozen local prospects were chosen in the draft — including a player in the first round.
Jett Luchanko was taken 12th overall by the Guelph Storm Friday evening, kicking off what was a busy weekend for players from both the London Jr. Knights and Elgin Middlesex Chiefs Under-16 teams.
“It was a great moment to share with my family, they’re definitely a bit more excited that I got drafted, somewhere close,” said Luchanko, adding that he was thrilled to see so many of his teammates also get selected.
“The group chat was definitely buzzing. It will be cool to maybe play against each other at the next level one day.”
During the Alliance regular season, Luchanko had 19 goals and 46 points in 21 games for the Junior Knights, en route to winning the Alliance Championship (where he had 16 points during their eight-game playoff run).
His head coach, Rob Crowther, says Luchanko brings even more to the table than his impressive statline.
“He’s much more than goals and assists, there are so many other things he’s doing well out there,” said Crowther. “That’s something he worked on throughout the season. There’s no denying his speed and his instincts to score, but he’s just a much more complete player.”
Although he enjoyed the moment with his family, Luchanko knows the hard work is just beginning.
“The biggest difference in junior hockey is the size and strength,” he said. “I don’t think speed is much of an issue for me, my focus this summer will be on gaining muscle and putting on some weight.
“This is a really big offseason for me.”
Broden McConnell-Barker was the second Jr. Knight taken in the OHL draft. He went in the third round (48th overall) to the Soo Greyhounds, the team his older brother just happens to play on.
A tremendous skater, McConnell-Barker made the switch from forward to defense this season. That’s a big change, but Crowther says the youngster’s skillset made it a smooth transition.
“The best thing about his game is that he can skate. “It helps him at both ends. He can get himself out of trouble with his feet, and his skating also gets him in great spots offensively,” the coach said.
“He really understood that he needed to focus on being a good defenseman. We all knew how valuable he is and how good of an offensive player he can be from the back end, but the fact he took the onus upon himself to work on that (defensive) side of the game speaks volumes.”
Broden McConnell-Barker. (Photo: Wild Ave Photography).
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After Luchanko and McConnell-Barker, five more Jr. Knights were scooped up by OHL clubs: Liam Spencer to Mississauga (4th Rd, No. 76); Talan Palmer to Ottawa (8th Rd, No. 150); Gavin McGahey-Smith to Oshawa (8th Rd, No. 151); Harrison Franssen to Oshawa (9th Rd, No. 171), and Matthew Souliere to Ottawa (12th Rd, No. 230).
And the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs? They had five players of their own selected, led by forwards Dylan Richter, who went to North Bay (5th Rd, No. 101) and Ethan Facchina, who was chosen by Hamilton two picks later (5th Rd, No. 103). Goaltender Carter Froggett (6th Rd, No. 107 to Windsor) and forwards Colin Langstaff (9th Rd, No. 180 to Flint) and Rene Van Bommel (11th Rd, No. 217 to London) also saw their names called Saturday.
The London Knights used their first round pick (15th overall) to select defenseman Luca Testa from the Niagara North Stars.
A few more local prospects could get drafted to the OHL later this weekend when the league holds its Under-18 Priority Selection Thursday at 7pm.
Knight Watch: London back in familiar territory; Sam Dickinson OHL Player of the Week; Efficiency from goal-scoring Van Gorp; Powerplay clicking once again; Knights get Soo showdown Friday …