BRAMPTON — The future looks bright for the Brampton Steelheads as three of their standout players heard their names called on the second day of the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles. Jack Ivankovic, Gabriel Chiarot, and Aidan Lane became the latest Steelheads to make the jump toward the next level, underscoring the program’s growing reputation as a development hub for NHL talent.
Ivankovic Makes Franchise History
Goaltender Jack Ivankovic led the way for Brampton, selected 58th overall in the second round by the Nashville Predators. The Mississauga native becomes the highest-drafted goaltender in Steelheads history, surpassing Spencer Martin, who went 63rd overall to the Colorado Avalanche in 2013.
Ivankovic finished the 2024–25 OHL season with a 3.05 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage over 43 regular season games, helping anchor the Steelheads’ blue line. His star rose sharply in 2023–24, when he earned the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy as the OHL’s top rookie goaltender with a 2.72 GAA.
Internationally, Ivankovic put on a show this year for Team Canada, winning gold and earning Best Goalie honours at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship, where he posted spectacular numbers: a 6–0 record, 1.05 GAA, .961 save percentage, and two shutouts. He also represented Canada at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2025 World Juniors, capping off a season that saw him named to both the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game and the OHL Top Prospects Showcase.
Got a goalie ☑️
See you in the crease, Jack! pic.twitter.com/X9COpyWGHf
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) June 28, 2025
Back-to-Back Picks: Chiarot and Lane
The Steelheads celebrated two more selections in quick succession in the sixth round, with Gabriel Chiarot going 175th overall to the Vancouver Canucks and Aidan Lane taken 176th overall by the Calgary Flames.
Chiarot, a winger from Hamilton, Ontario, enjoyed a breakout season in Brampton, suiting up for 66 games and posting career bests in goals (21), assists (14), and total points (35). Known for his physical play and strong two-way presence, Chiarot finished with a plus-21 rating, demonstrating his effectiveness in all situations.
Lane, meanwhile, made an immediate impact after joining the Steelheads from St. Andrews College, where he captained the U18 squad. In just 13 games as a rookie with Brampton, Lane notched 13 points, showcasing high-end skill and vision that quickly caught the attention of NHL scouts.
Building Toward the Future
The trio’s success on draft day highlights the Steelheads’ continued commitment to player development and their ability to help shape the next generation of professional talent. With multiple alumni currently active in the NHL and minor leagues, Brampton’s pipeline continues to grow.
What’s Next
With training camp on the horizon, the Steelheads are already looking ahead to the 2025–26 season, eager to build on last year’s progress and continue fostering future NHL talent.
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