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Grandson of former Greyhound Craig Hartsburg was announced by former 1st overall pick Matthew Schaefer
Published Jun 12, 2026 • Last updated 19 hours ago • 2 minute read
Erie Otters second-overall pick Colin Kennedy at the 2026 OHL Priority Selection at Slush Puppie Place on Friday, June 12, 2026 in Kingston, Ont. Photo by David Pickering/Pick’s Pics/OHLArticle content
Sault Ste. Marie’s Colin Kennedy joined rare company Friday night.
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Selected second overall by the Erie Otters in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, the Detroit Little Caesars forward became the highest-drafted Sault product in 26 years, trailing only Patrick Jarrett’s first-overall selection by the Mississauga IceDogs in 2000.
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Making the moment even more memorable was the person who announced the pick: Erie’s 2023 first-overall pick and 2025 first-overall NHL draft selection Matthew Schaefer, who recently captured the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year.
“Feels amazing just to be drafted by a first-class organization and have Matthew Schaefer call your name,” Kennedy said during a live interview moments after being selected. “It’s just an unreal feeling.”
Colin Kennedy drafted by the Erie Otters 2nd overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection at Slush Puppie Place on Friday, June 12, 2026 in Kingston, Ont. Photo by David Pickering/Pick’s Pics/OHL
Kennedy, a five-foot-nine winger who spent the past three seasons with the prestigious Little Caesars program, entered the draft widely projected as a high first-round pick after a standout season that included 24 goals and 36 points in 20 games.
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He also helped Little Caesars reach the quarterfinals of this spring’s OHL Cup and was named his team’s quarterfinal MVP after recording five goals and two assists in five tournament games.
The selection continues a strong hockey lineage for Kennedy. His grandfather, former Soo Greyhounds star defenceman Craig Hartsburg, played 570 NHL games before moving into coaching, while his father, Craig Kennedy, spent five seasons with the Windsor Spitfires.
Kennedy said he is eager to begin the next chapter with the Otters in Western Pennsylvania, where he will unite with uncle Chris Hartsburg, Erie’s skills and development coach.
“So excited to get to Erie and meet everyone and play in front of the fans and bring playoff hockey back to Erie,” he said.
The teenager was surrounded by family when his name was called at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston.
“My mom and my dad, my brother — I couldn’t thank them enough,” Kennedy said. “Also both my grandparents for driving me and sacrificing their time, and my trainers and all my coaches and my teammates that helped me get better and get to this point.”
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Sault Ste. Marie’s Colin Kennedy is expected to be an early pick in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection after a standout season with Detroit Little Caesars U16 AAA. Photo by Dan Hickling/OHL Images
Erie general manager Dave Brown praised the competitive edge that made Kennedy one of the top prospects available.
“Entering our 30th anniversary, we are selecting a player who embodies throwback qualities,” Brown said in a statement. “Faithful fans … will absolutely love it. Colin’s competitive drive and determination are world-class. He boasts an amazing skill set, defined by his elite speed, cutting ability, and talent for creating havoc among opponents.”
Brown added that Kennedy “guarantees misery for anyone who visits the Erie Insurance Arena.”
In an interview with The Sault Star earlier this year, Kennedy described his game as “using my speed, driving pucks to the net, making plays for my teammates and finishing when I get chances.”
He described his game as being a hybrid of NHL agitators Brad Marchand and Zach Hyman.
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