The Quinte Red Devils saw four former players selected in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. This achievement is part of a consistent trend, as graduates from the association have now been taken in each of the last five drafts.
Ben Danford, RHD, Oshawa Generals (OHL) – Toronto Maple Leafs
After completing a trade with the Anaheim Ducks, the Toronto Maple Leafs chose defenceman Ben Danford from the Oshawa Generals as the 31st overall pick in the first round.
In a stellar sophomore season, Danford recorded 33 points in 64 games with a plus-27 rating. His performance surged in the postseason, helping the Oshawa Generals win the Bobby Orr Trophy as Eastern Conference Champions before falling to the London Knights in the OHL finals.
Described as a smooth skater with strong defensive skills, the 6-foot-1 defender impressed further by finishing in the top five in three skating categories during the on-ice testing at the CHL Top Prospects Game last January.
The Madoc Township native also excelled at the draft combine earlier this month, showcasing excellent results in multiply fitness tests.
In an international competition, Danford won a gold medal with Team Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup last spring.
Scouts project him to develop into a reliable puck-moving defenceman at the professional level.
Trevor Hoskin, RW, Cobourg Cougars (OJHL) – Calgary Flames
An exceptional season with the Cobourg Cougars led the Calgary Flames to choose Trevor Hoskin in the fourth round, with the 106th overall selection.
Despite not being listed in the NHL Central Scouting final rankings, the Belleville resident made a strong case throughout the season to hear his name called at the Sphere this weekend.
The Belleville resident led the league with 42 goals and 100 points in just 52 games. In the playoffs, he added another 11 goals and 28 points in 18 games, earning him Top Forward and MVP honours in the OJHL.
Hoskin also impressed at the World Junior A Hockey Challenge, where he was named to the all-tournament team and helped Team Canada East win a silver medal.
Committed to Niagara University in Lewiston, New York, Hoskin will join the NCAA program this fall, where he is expected to continue his development.
Jared Woolley, LHD, London Knights (OHL) – Los Angeles Kings
The LA Kings took defenceman Jared Woolley at 164th overall after trading up in the sixth round to select him.
The 6-foot-4 blueliner, known for his size and competitive nature, made significant strides this season under London Knights Head Coach Dale Hunter. In his rookie campaign, Woolley tallied five points in 37 games and contributed to the OHL championship title.
Despite narrowly missing a Memorial Cup title, his potential impressed scouts, and he is seen as a valuable future asset for the Kings. Woolley began his season with the St. Thomas Stars of the GOJHL, where he tallied 21 points in 19 appearances.
Dalyn Wakely, C, North Bay Battalion (OHL) – Edmonton Oilers
Although he went undrafted during his earlier years of eligibility, Wakely finished third in the OHL in scoring this season with 39 goals and 65 assists for 104 points in 66 games. His offensive prowess led the Edmonton Oilers to select him in the sixth round with the 192nd overall pick.
Wakely continued his production in the postseason, helping the North Bay Battalion reach the Eastern Conference finals with 13 goals in 16 games.
A proud member of the Curve Lake First Nation, the 20-year-old is already able to turn professional and could start in the AHL or ECHL next season. His strong efforts may even earn him a contract right away.
Wakely has fond memories of winning OMHA championships with Quinte to close out his tenure with the minor hockey association.
This recent success only helps highlight the Quinte Red Devils’ reputation as a premier program and their commitment to developing talent capable of making an impact at higher levels.
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