Brantford U18 pick just second woman drafted in OHL history; Oshawa opts for big centre at #1

The Oshawa Generals took a 6’4” centre from Thunder Bay in the Ontario Hockey League’s U18 draft Monday while the Brantford Bulldogs made a little history, selecting Toronto Nationals goaltender Sophie Jovanovic with the 40th pick – just the second woman ever drafted into the OHL.

Winners of the OHL Draft Lottery back in April (the main draft will be held Friday), the Generals used the first overall selection to take Ethan Cava out of Thunder Bay’s Seventh Fire Secondary School Prep Hockey Program. The son of former Soo Greyhounds captain and Sarnia Sting forward Peter Cava, the 16-year-old produced 40 points (14-26–40) over 42 games this past season.

“Got our guy,” was the response from the Oshawa Generals after the selection.

The Erie Otters used the second overall pick to take Elmira-based centreman Zack Forwell of the Waterloo Wolves before the Brampton Steelheads chose left-winger Zaiden Hraiche of the Burlington Eagles at number three.

The Sarnia Sting used the fourth overall pick to make Dean Sheridan of the North Shore Whitecaps the first defenceman chosen. North Shore is a new program with players coming from both Oshawa and Clarington talent pools.

Much of the attention in the draft was on Jovanovic, a University of Wisconsin commit (2027) a War for the Roses champion and MVP, and sister to former OHL pick Matthew Jovanovic.

Eligibility for the 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection included all U18 players (2008 and 2009 birth years) not currently on an OHL protected list who were carded with an Ontario-based U18 AAA club or accredited Hockey Canada sport school.

A total of 52 players were selected from 32 different teams.

The first goaltender picked was seventh overall pick Landyn Quirk of the Kitchener Jr. Rangers, a late 2009 birthdate chosen by the Guelph Storm.

All OHL member teams were required to draft a minimum of two players. To enhance opportunities specifically for goaltenders, clubs selecting a goaltender with one of their selections had the option to select another player (skater only) in a third round.

The concept of the OHL Under-18 Priority Selection was developed with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario Branches and announced in January 2017.