Erie, Pennsylvania – Priority Selection Draft week would begin Monday night, as the Erie Otters would participate in the 2026 Ontario Hockey League Under-18 Priority Selection Draft for the 10th time.
The fist OHL-only Draft of the year, the Under 18 Priority Selection arrives days before the OHL Priority Selection which will begin Friday in Kingston. Much like the name implies, the U18 Draft – which started in 2017 – gives teams the opportunity to select any draft-eligible player under the age of 18 – giving players a second-chance at catching scouts’ eyes. While the U18 Draft doesn’t share the same pomp, circumstance, or acclaim that the standard Priority Selection Draft receives – as team’s select players overlooked initially in the Draft process – it is the perfect time to find diamond-in-the-rough, late developing, or under the radar prospects.
The 10th-annual U18 draft would see the Otters come in with the opportunity to select three players from the three rounds – including the #2 overall pick. With a ‘Linear Draft’ being executed – ensuring Erie and all OHL member teams the same draft order in each round. Unlike the Priority Selection, there were no compensatory or traded picks. The 2026 U18 Priority Selection picks were as followed for Erie:
Round 1, #2 pick
Round 2, #22 pick
Round 3, #42 pick
In the 2025-26 season, one of Erie’s two selections dressed in a game for the Otters, defenseman David Greene (#31 overall).
Round 1, 2nd Overall – Zack Forwell
The Erie Otters would utilize their #2nd overall pick on Monday night to welcome forward Zack Forwell. Hailing from Elmira, ON, Forwell spent the majority of last season with the Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA program also appearing in five games with the Elmira Sugar Kings of the GOHL.
This past season, the 5’9, 165 lbs. forward would put together a fantastic season, putting up 126 points (51G+75A) over 79 games. Forwell was also +80, won over 900 faceoffs and fired 328 shots on net. This forward adds a bit of instant offense to the Otters lineup, while also being capable in the faceoff dot and all three zones.
Erie director of hockey operations Scott Grieve spoke highly of the team’s first pick in the U18 draft.
“Zack is a player we have admired throughout the season,” Grieve said. “Zack had an extremely productive year, leading his team to the Telus Cup. In addition, Zack constantly drags teammates into the fight, makes opponents uncomfortable and plays on the edge physically. In our discussions with Zach prior to the draft, it is clear that he is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. We are excited about Zack’s development curve and to welcome him to the organization.”
The slick forward will have a chance to earn his spot in Training Camp come the fall.
Round 2, 22nd Overall – Liam Karbowski
With their second pick in the 2026 U18 Draft, the Otters selected goaltender Liam Karbowski. This netminder comes to the Otters after spending last season with the Toronto Nationals U18AAA program.
Karbowski stands 6’3 170lbs and will provide size and stability in the net for the Otters. With this pick the Otters will have a selection in the third round.
Otters Goaltending Consultant Adrian Volpe spoke on the addition of Karbowski and what he brings to the table in Erie.
“Liam is a technically sound, big bodied goaltender who plays with strong awareness and positioning,” Volpe said. “He reads the game well, consistently places himself in optimal locations to make saves and uses his size effectively. Had calm controlled swagger that allows him to read plays efficiently and maintain strong confident depth management in the crease.”
Round 3, 42nd Overall – Ethan Levkov
With their third and final pick, the Erie Otters select Ethan Levkov a forward who spent last season with the Mississauga Senators U18AAA program of the GTHL.
Levkov, a 5’9, 159 lbs forward spent most of the season with the Senators but did appear in three games with the Brantford Titans of the GOHL. Levkov is noted as a small but shifty forward who makes an impact in all three zones.
General Manager Dave Brown spoke on what Levkov brings to the club.
“Ethan’s speed is a key aspect of his game; it allows him to take advantage of space and win puck battles, creating offensive opportunities and gaining offensive ice time.”
Grieve spoke on the addition of Levkov and what he brings to the organization.
“We are very excited to select Ethan and continue to add to our forward depth,” Grieve said. “We are excited to welcome Ethan to our organization.”
Year
RD
OV
Team
Player Name
Pos
Height
Weight
DOB
Last Team
Source
2026
1
2
Erie
F
5.09
165
3/23/2009
Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA
ALLIANCE18
2026
2
22
Erie
G
6.03
165
11/02/2009
Toronto Nationals U18AAA
GTHL
2026
3
42
Erie
F
5.09
159
03/16/2009
Mississauga Senators U18AAA
GTHL
The Erie Otters look ahead to an exciting year as the club celebrates its 30th in the OHL. With explosive players like Michael Dec and Tyler Cooper looking to be key contributors to a young, up and coming group.
With the results of the 2026 Under 18 Priority Selection Draft finalized, Erie has officially selected 26 players all-time in the U18 draft – with 10 U18 Draft players* making the regular season roster for the team all-time.
Year
RD
OV
Team
Player Name
Pos
Height
Weight
DOB
Last Team
Source
2023
1
1
Erie
RW
6.02
188
09/08/2006
Nepean Raiders U18 AAA
HEO AAA
2022
1
2
Erie
G
6.02
225
10/02/2005
Burlington Eagles U18 AAA
SCTA
2026
1
2
Erie
F
5.09
165
03/23/2009
Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA
ALLIANCE
2019
1
3
Erie
LD
6.01
169
03/28/2002
Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs MAAA
MHAO
2018
1
4
Erie
RW
5.11.25
146
04/08/2001
Vaughan Kings MAAA
GTHL
2020
1
8
Erie
RD
5.07.75
157
07/07/2003
Guelph Gryphons MAAA
SCTA
2024
1
10
Erie
C
6.05
183
11/29/2007
Ottawa Jr. 67’s U18 AAA
HEO18
2025
1
11
Erie
LD
6.02
184
6/19/2008
Markham Waxers U18 AAA
OMHA18
2021
1
16
Erie
LW
5.07
144
04/01/2004
Don Mills Flyers U18 AAA
GTHL
2017
1
20
Erie
RW
5.07.5
144
08/25/2000
Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs Midget AAA
SCTA
2022
2
22
Erie
LW
6.00
172
1/25/2005
Toronto Red Wings U18 AAA
GTHL
2023
2
22
Erie
G
6.01
172
11/17/2006
Soo Jr. Greyhounds U18 AAA
GNU
2026
2
22
Erie
G
6.03
165
11/02/2009
Toronto Nationals U18AAA
GTHL
2019
1
23
Erie
G
6.01
150
03/01/2002
Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs MAAA
MHAO
2018
2
24
Erie
RW
5.08.5
174
04/01/2002
Toronto Jr. Canadiens MAAA
GTHL
2021
2
25
Erie
LD
6.03
185
02/04/2003
Niagara North Stars U18 AAA
SCTA
2020
2
28
Erie
G
5.10.5
155
06/18/2003
Waterloo Wolves MAAA
MHAO
2024
2
30
Erie
G
5.10.5
151
05/31/2007
Mississauga Senators U18 AAA
GTHL
2025
2
31
Erie
RD
5.09
175
03/17/2008
Niagara North Stars U18 AAA
OMHA18
2017
2
40
Erie
LW
5.08.5
147
10/05/2000
Toronto Nationals Midget AAA
GTHL
2022
3
41
Erie
C
6.00
172
12/18/2004
Renfrew Wolves U18 AAA
HEO Midget
2023
3
42
Erie
LD
6.00
157
05/30/2006
North York Rangers U18 AAA
OJHL
2026
3
42
Erie
F
5.09
159
03/16/2009
Mississauga Senators U18 AAA
GTHL
2019
3
43
Erie
RW
5.06.25
132
08/20/2002
Rockland Nationals MAAA
HEO Midget
2020
3
47
Erie
RW
5.09.25
128
10/02/2002
Whitby Wildcats MAAA
ETA
2024
3
47
Erie
C
6.01
185
06/05/2007
Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA
ALLIANCE
2017
3
60
Erie
G
6.01
186
04/01/2000
Kemptville 73s Midget AAA
OEMHL
2017
4
80
Erie
LW
5.10
152
06/01/2000
Toronto Jr. Canadiens Midget AAA
GTHL
2017
5
96
Erie
C
5.06.75
127
03/07/2000
Niagara North Stars Midget AAA
SCTA
The next wave of Otters draft picks will be announced beginning Friday in Kingston with Erie holding the number two overall selection in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. One of 13 picks the Otters hold in this year’s draft.
The Erie Otters are thrilled to welcome Zach, Liam and Ethan to the Flagship City, and see what they can bring to Erie in the Fall at Training Camp.
Stay Informed:
Keep up-to-date with the latest Erie Otters news by visiting OttersHockey.com, or follow along on social media with the Otters Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
About the Erie Otters:
The Erie Otters are an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1996, the Otters have a rich history of excellence both on and off the ice. The team is committed to creating memorable experiences for its fans and contributing to the growth and well-being of the Erie community.
For further information on the Erie Otters and for media inquiries, please contact Trevor Kubeja at [email protected] .
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