It’s been a busy few weeks for the Elgin Middlesex Chiefs hockey program. First, the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario announced they had awarded a Major Midget team to the Chiefs’ organization – to begin play next season. Then, on April 7, the 2018 OHL Priority Draft took place, and when the dust settled four Elgin Middlesex Chiefs heard their names called. We asked those players their thoughts about getting drafted …
Nathan Small – Owen Sound Attack (7th round/129th overall)
How did it feel to get drafted by Owen Sound?
“It was an honour to get drafted by Owen Sound of the OHL … it felt amazing.”
What are you most excited about?
“To have the opportunity to take my game to a higher level and actually play in the OHL someday.”
Who do you want to thank for helping you get to this point?
“I’d like to thank my coaches along the way, like Darcy Cox, Cory Breklemans, Jeff Roy, and especially Dave Warren. And I’d like to thank my parents as well, who have always supported me in my hockey journey.”
Rylan Bowers – Mississauga Steelheads (12th Round /238th Overall)
How did it feel to get drafted by the Mississauga Steelheads?
“It felt amazing seeing my name being called out by the Mississauga Steelheads. It has always been a dream of mine to be drafted into the OHL, and it feels amazing that this has come true. I am very excited for my road ahead with this great organization.”
What are you most excited about?
“I’m most excited about playing at the next level. Whether it’s the OHL or Jr. B hockey, I am looking forward to making a new team and making a name for myself. And I’m willing to put in a lot of hard work over the summer to improve my game and to get to that next level.”
Who do you want to thank for helping you get to this point?
“I would like to thank my parents and family for making countless trips to the rink and out of town games and tournaments, and of course for all their support. I’d also like to thank my coaches for all the hard work they have put in … video sessions, practices, dryland and many games. And I’d like to thank my teammates for the friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime.”
Michael McKnight, Mississauga Steelheads (14th Round/ 268th Overall)
How did it feel to get drafted by the Mississauga Steelheads?
“It felt amazing to get drafted by the Mississauga Steelheads, I was very happy to see my name pop up and was also excited to see my line-mate come to Mississauga with me. When I heard the news, I was in a restaurant in Toronto just before going to a Leafs game, so it was an amazing night.”
What are you most excited about?
“I’m most excited about playing at the highest level that I can, and about going to camp and playing with and against OHL players.”
Who do you want to thank for helping you get to this point?
“I would like to thank all my coaches throughout my career for developing me to get to where I am today. I’d also like to thank my teammates for pushing me to do my best and making me better – as a player and a person – and for their friendships. And I want to thank my parents for supporting me and giving me feedback to make me a better player. They also drive me to all my skates and teach me what’s right and wrong.”
Billy Faragher, Sarnia Sting (15th Round, 299th Overall)
How did it feel to get drafted by the Sarnia Sting?
“It is very exciting to be drafted by the Sarnia Sting, as they’ve been one of the top OHL teams this past season. Although being a late pick in the draft, I am still glad that I have a shot to show them my game and how I can contribute to the organization.”
What are you most excited about?
“I am most excited about experiencing the atmosphere at the next level and competing with and against some of the top players in Ontario. As well, I’m happy that I can create relationships with the players I’ve been playing against for many years in minor hockey.”
Who do you want to thank for helping you get to this point?
“I’d like to thank Coach Dave Warren and the whole coaching staff from this season, but also all of my previous coaches who have taught me and helped me develop as a player and a person. I’d also like to thank my teammates and friends from past seasons for making the game fun and enjoyable on and off the ice every day. And most importantly I’d like to thank my parents and family for supporting me, and for everything they’ve done to get me to this point.”
Submitted by the Elgin Middlesex Chiefs
