It was a big night for the Huron-Perth Lakers during the first round of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection Draft, held on April 10th. Three players from the team were chosen in the first round—a strong showing for the local hockey program.
With the 12th overall pick, the Erie Otters selected Jake Murray of Meaford. A talented centre who shoots left, Murray stands 6’1″ and weighs 176 pounds. Born on February 26th, 2009, he played this past season with the Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA team.
Murray had an impressive year. In 28 regular season games at the U16 level, he scored 14 goals and added 25 assists for 39 points, along with 65 penalty minutes. During the 2025 OHL Cup Showcase, he recorded two goals and one assist in five games. In the playoffs, he kept up the pace with 8 goals and 6 assists in 10 games. His mix of skill, size, and intensity made him a top pick for Erie.
Next, the Kingston Frontenacs used their 17th pick to choose Matthew Henderson of Sarnia. A left-shooting defenceman, Henderson stands just over 5’11” and weighs 162 pounds. Born on March 20th, 2009, he also played for the Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA this season.
Henderson had a strong regular season, scoring 6 goals and 20 assists for 26 points in 30 games. He also appeared in two games with the GOJHL’s Sarnia Legionnaires. During the OHL Cup Showcase, he added a goal and an assist in five games. In the playoffs, he chipped in 2 goals and 7 assists over 11 games. Known for his smart play and strong skating, Henderson adds depth and poise to Kingston’s blue line.
Finally, Kane Barch of Grand Bend was selected 22nd overall by the Kitchener Rangers. A left winger who shoots left, Barch, born on March 13th, 2009 stands nearly 5’11” and weighs 174 pounds. Barch was also part of the Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA this season.
Barch led the Lakers in scoring this season with 23 goals and 36 assists for 59 points in 30 games. He also made an impact in the 2025 OHL Cup Showcase with 2 goals and 2 assists. In the playoffs, he continued his strong play with 5 goals and 12 assists in 11 games. His mix of speed, skill, and vision helped him stand out, making him a great fit for Kitchener’s fast-paced offence.
All three players developed with the Huron-Perth Lakers and are now preparing to take the next step in their hockey journeys.
UPDATE:
It was a big weekend for the Huron-Perth Lakers as seven players from the U16 AAA team were selected on day 2 of the 2025 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection draft.
The selections spanned multiple rounds, with each player representing a different part of the region and proudly showcasing the depth of talent on the Lakers’ roster this season.
In the 4th round, 71st overall, the Kingston Frontenacs selected Dante D’Andrea, a left-shot defenceman from Sarnia.
Just five picks later, the Windsor Spitfires used pick 76 to select Jesse Debruyn, another strong left-handed defenceman. Debruyn, who hails from Exeter, is 6-feet tall and weighs in at 183 pounds.
In the 6th round, the Peterborough Petes drafted Daniel Tout, a right-shot defenceman from Kincardine, 104th overall.
Round 7 saw the Sarnia Sting call the name of Clark DeBoer, a left winger from Bluevale, with the 140th overall pick.
In the 10th round, goaltender Vaughn Barr of St. Marys was selected 194th overall by the Erie Otters. Barr is 5-foot-11, 166 pounds, and becomes the lone goalie drafted from the Lakers this year.
In the 13th round, Brandt Rooyakkers, a center from Ilderton, went 244th overall to the Peterborough Petes.
In the 14th round, Cullen Kerslake, a right-shot defenceman from Centralia, was chosen 270th overall by the Soo Greyhounds.
The Lakers U16 AAA team continues to show its strength as a development program, with these seven players joining the ranks of OHL hopefuls.
Written by: K. Milhomens