Kingston, Ontario – For the first time since 2000, the 2026 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft (pres. by Real Canadian Superstore) would be held in person as the Erie Otters would possess the second overall pick in the draft order. Erie would hold 13 picks heading into the draft as they build toward an exciting 30th season in the OHL. Draft Weekend is always one full of hope, anticipation, and excitement to see talented young men develop into future stars and leaders – be it high-expectation early round selections, or players who become certified as “steals” in retrospect depending on their career development.
With thousands of prospective high-level players available to choose from the 2010-born draft class, general manager Dave Brown and scouting staff had a particular focus on what they were looking for from prospective additions: size, skating, skill, hockey IQ, compete level, leadership, and character on and off the ice.
Erie would make their first pick on Day 1 with Round 1 being held Friday and Rounds 2-15 taking place on Day 2 Saturday.
DAY 1: ROUND 1
Round 1, Pick #2 – Colin Kennedy (F)
1
2
Erie
Colin Kennedy
F
5’9
168
3/11/2010
Little Caesars U15AAA
MAHA
With the second pick of the first round, General Manager Dave Brown, Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve and the Erie Otters are thrilled to announce the selection of forward Colin Kennedy from the Little Caesars U15AAA program.
In 20 games with Little Caesars a season ago, Kennedy was outstanding, recording 36 points (24G+12A), averaging nearly two points per game, adding five more points in his league playoffs (2G+3A) and another seven (5G+2A) at the OHL Cup.
The 5’9, 168 lbs native of Sault Ste. Marie, ON is noted as one of the fastest skaters in the draft class and is an elite shooter who can score from almost anywhere. Kennedy is noted as an elite goal scorer who should help to improve an area where the Otters struggled in the second half of last season, finding the back of the net.
Kennedy comes from a rich hockey family as he is the grandson of former Soo Greyhound and NHLer Craig Hartsburg as well as the son of former OHLer Craig Kennedy and perhaps most familiarly to Otters fans, the nephew of Erie Skills Coach Chris Hartsburg.
SCOUTING NOTES:
“Entering our 30th anniversary, we are selecting a player who embodies throwback qualities. Faithful fans such as Jack Albertson, Al Hicks, Wayne Oakes, Steve Mecklin, and Mike Brosius 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. Colin guarantees misery for anyone who visits the Erie Insurance Arena.” – Dave Brown, General Manager Erie Otters
“We are absolutely thrilled to be adding a player of Colin’s caliber to our organization. Colin brings excellent explosiveness, competitiveness, skill and drive each and every game. Colin’s detail, ability to create offense several ways, and commitment to all areas of the ice have excited our staff from the beginning of the season to the end. Colin epitomizes how we wish to continue to build our team’s identity.” – Scott Grieve, Director of Hockey Operations Erie Otters
“We would like to welcome Colin and his entire family to the Otters organization. Colin possesses an impressive blend of speed, skill, hockey IQ, vision and tenacity. A true dog on a bone, he never stops working in all three zones, is always involved in the play, and willingly engages physically. He backchecks with purpose, blocks shots, and attacks with speed, consistently getting in behind defenders. With the puck, he makes good plays as both a distributor and a finisher, brings the puck to the middle of the ice and delivers it to scoring areas. Colin plays in every situation, shows clear leadership among his peers, and is a coach’s dream, reliable, competitive, and dependable in any role or scenario.” – Devin Brown, Director of Scouting Erie Otters
“Attacking defences at lightning speed, Kennedy is the fastest player in this draft class, bar none. The only player on our ranking to earn a 100 grade in any tool, he dominates the transition game, thanks to his explosive feet and hands that more than keep up. He catches passes in full flight, hits passing targets in motion, cuts through the hands of defenders, and barrels into open lanes.” – Lauren Kelly, Elite Prospects
“Kennedy stood out with exceptional skating ability, effectively carrying the puck through all three zones.” – PuckPreps.com
DAY 2: ROUNDS 2-15
Round 2, Pick #22
SCOUTING NOTES:
Round 3, Pick #50 [from NIA] –
Round 4, Pick #63 –
SCOUTING NOTES:
Round 5, Pick #90 [from NIA] –
SCOUTING NOTES:
Round 6, Pick #103 –
SCOUTING NOTES:
Round 8, Pick #143 –
SCOUTING NOTES:
Round 9, Pick #163 –
SCOUTING NOTES:
Round 10, Pick #186 [from SBY] –
SCOUTING NOTES:
Round 11, Pick #203 –
SCOUTING NOTES:
Round 13, Pick #261 [from BFD] –
13
261
Erie from Brantford
SCOUTING NOTES:
Round 14, Pick #263 –
SCOUTING NOTES:
Round 15, Pick #283 –
SCOUTING NOTES:
ALL DRAFT PICKS
1
2
Erie
Colin Kennedy
F
5.09
168
03/11/2010
Little Caesars U15AAA
MAHA
2
22
Erie
3
50
Erie from Niagara
4
63
Erie
5
90
Erie from Niagara
6
103
Erie
8
143
Erie
9
163
Erie
10
186
Erie from Sudbury
11
203
Erie
13
261
Erie from Brantford
14
263
Erie
15
283
Erie
Keep up with all the Otters picks and results on OttersHockey.com or across the Otters’ social media. For all results of the 2026 Priority Selection, please head to OntarioHockeyLeague.com.
Player Eligibility
North American players born in 2010 and non-overage players that were not registered with an Ontario based U16 AAA team from protected OHL territories were eligible for selection in the 15 rounds of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection.
Selected Players in the OHL
OHL Member Teams are permitted to register a maximum of four 16-year-old players selected in the OHL Priority Selection. Those 16 year old players that are allowed to be signed are the first two 16-year-old players selected and a maximum of two additional 16-year-old wild carded players in any round of the OHL Priority Selection.
All other 16-year-old players selected are eligible to be called up as an “affiliated player” or “floating affiliate player” for a maximum of 10 games or for any OHL regular season or playoff games when such player’s team has been eliminated from competition for that season.
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].
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.
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