Kingston to host first in-person OHL draft in 25 years

Kingston, Ontario, is set to host the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft this weekend, marking a significant return to an in-person format after a 25-year absence. The event, a major draw for hockey talent identification, will see representatives from all 20 OHL teams converge on the city for meetings and the draft itself.

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We’ve had a lot of firsts for hockey in Kingston. It makes sense when you want to bring a big product like the OHL draft back that you start in Kingston.

Tourism Kingston, in partnership with the Kingston Frontenacs, has been instrumental in organizing the event. Alex Elliott, manager of sport and event development with Tourism Kingston, highlighted the city's history with hockey events, stating it's a fitting location to bring back a "big product like the OHL draft."

The shift back to an in-person draft offers a different dynamic for teams compared to the recent virtual formats. Kory Cooper, general manager of the Kingston Frontenacs, noted the potential challenges and advantages of face-to-face interactions. "It will be unique and different because we’ll be sitting at a table and it might be harder to communicate with the other teams around, so we’ll have to make sure our list is dialled in," Cooper said.

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It will be unique and different because we’ll be sitting at a table and it might be harder to communicate with the other teams around, so we’ll have to make sure our list is dialled in.

Organizers anticipate a substantial influx of visitors, with Tourism Kingston expecting to welcome over 2,000 attendees, not including team personnel and partners. Beyond the core draft activities, the event will feature public engagement initiatives. "Come out and support," urged Elliott. "There will be activations and mini hockey games and activities outside the venue on Tragically Hip Way starting at 4 p.m."

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It really is a mini version of the National Hockey League and their type of draft scenario. It would be nerve-racking for the players and stressful at times for the families early on, but certainly something to look back on as an exciting day.

The OHL draft commences Friday evening and continues through Saturday. Cooper described the experience for young players and their families as a "mini version of the National Hockey League and their type of draft scenario," acknowledging the potential nerves and stress but emphasizing it as an exciting milestone.

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Come out and support. There will be activations and mini hockey games and activities outside the venue on Tragically Hip Way starting at 4 p.m.