The 2024 OHL U18 Priority Selection (Draft) took place yesterday with an intriguing name amongst the players chosen.
Sixteen-year-old Jack Clarke is currently focussed on representing Great Britain at the U18 World Championships but would have been delighted to hear his name called in the third round.
Connor McDavid’s former team, the Orie Otters, chose to draft Clarke with the 47th pick.
Born in Milton Keynes, Clarke had spent the last three seasons playing recognised midget hockey in Ontario.
Suiting up for Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA in the last campaign, he has impressed both scouts and management.
Clarke plays centre, and his (6’1″ – 185lbs) frame will doubtless make Erie coaches take a more favourable approach to him when camp begins next fall.
Now calling Rockwood Ontario his home, Clarke scored on his international debut against Poland, though it wasn’t enough to prevent a 6-4 loss.
The Erie Otters only qualified for the most recent playoffs thanks to excellent late form. They were duly despatched in the first round by the Kitchener Rangers, lasting six games.
Looking forward, Erie has some forwards who are graduating and some over-ager questions to answer, which means there will be spots to fight for in 2024-25. Therein lies the opportunity for a little-known sixteen-year-old attempting to make his way.
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