MISSISSAUGA, ON – On the first day of the OHL Priority Selection Presented by Real Canadian Superstore, the Mississauga Steelheads added three new players to their prospect list.
With the seventh overall selection, the Steelheads picked goaltender Jack Ivankovic. The 5’10.5” netminder played for the Mississauga Senators this past season. Ivankovic made an appearance with his team at the OHL Cup, posting a .914 save percentage and a 3.03 goals against average.
Born and raised in Mississauga, Ivankovic has always been a fan of the Steelheads, attending games since the team’s inception.
“It’s obviously an honour being drafted by my hometown team,” stated the new Steelhead. “I’ve been growing up watching the Steelheads for 16 years so it’s just an honour to get drafted. I think I’m going to bring a lot of hard work and just my ability to stop the puck and to do whatever I can to help the team.”
The Steelheads’ Head Coach and General Manager, James Richmond, had nothing but praise for the team’s first-round pick.
“Jack has been coming to watch Steelheads games since he was a young lad and now he will be the one other young kids will be watching.” said the coach. “He has been a dominant goalie in the ‘07 age group for some time now, so to add Jack to our Team is really exciting. We would like to welcome Jack and his family to the Steelheads family.”
“It is always very special for our organization when we are able to select a player from our home here in Mississauga,” said team Owner and President, Elliott Kerr. “It is ever more meaningful when we know the family.”
This is the second year in a row that the Steelheads have selected the first goalie in the draft. Last year, Mississauga selected goalie Ryerson Leenders in the second round, who went on to set a franchise record for most games played by a 16-year-old goaltender.
“He’s an elite goaltending prospect with a ton of upside,” described Steelheads goalie coach Chris Beckford-Tseu. “He has the ability to steal games.”
The goaltender also took part in the Canada Winter Games this past February, helping Team Ontario secure the gold medal in men’s hockey.
Picking at number 35 overall in the second round, the Steelheads selected left winger Kieran Witkowski. The forward played this past season with the Toronto Marlboros of the GTHL. In 35 games, the 5’10” Toronto native put up 41 points (22G, 19A) and posted 4 points (1G, 3A) in 5 games in the OHL Cup.
“I’m so excited to get started in Mississauga.” said the winger, “It’s been a dream for me since I was I think five years old. Mississauga is such a great organization and a team that I’ve always wanted to go to, so I’m so excited and so happy.
“I think I can bring a full 200-foot game,” Witkowski continued, “[I’m] a role player, whatever the coach needs me I can play, and I’m just excited to get started and make Mississauga a [Memorial] Cup championship team.”
The Steelheads Head Coach had this to say about the second-round pick. “Kieran has a motor that never stops. Every shift he is around the puck and making good things happen. We can’t wait to see Kieran in a Steelheads jersey soon. We would like to welcome Kieran and his family to the Steelheads family.”
Just five picks later, Mississauga selected defenceman Luke Dragusica, also from the Toronto Marlboros. Hailing from Stoney Creek, Ontario, the Marlies assistant captain tallied 8 points (1G, 7A) in the regular season and 3 assists in the OHL Cup. The 16-year-old measures in at 6’1” and 170 lb.
“Luke is a strong, tough defenceman that is very hard to play against,” stated Richmond. “He transitions the puck very well and likes to play physical. Luke will look very good in a Steelheads uniform. Welcome to the Steelheads family, Luke and family.”
The Steelheads’ third pick in the 2022 Draft also came from the Toronto Marlboros, selecting defenceman Parker Von Richter, who recorded 15 points (2G, 13A) in his rookie season in Mississauga.
Congratulations to all of the new Steelheads and their families and welcome to the organization! Stay tuned for Rounds 4-15 of the OHL Priority Selection tomorrow beginning at 9:00 AM.
SOURCE Mississauga Steelheads
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