The Oshawa Generals selected six-foot-four centre Ethan Cava with the first overall pick in the Ontario Hockey League’s Under-18 Priority Selection draft on Monday, adding a talented big-bodied forward from Thunder Bay to their prospect pipeline.
Cava, who played for the Seventh Fire Secondary School Prep Hockey Program in Thunder Bay, recorded 40 points including 14 goals and 26 assists over 42 games this past season. He is the son of former Soo Greyhounds captain and Sarnia Sting forward Peter Cava, bringing a strong hockey pedigree to the storied Generals organization.
“Got our guy,” the Oshawa Generals said following the selection, which was secured after the team won the OHL Draft Lottery back in April. The main OHL Priority Selection draft is scheduled for Friday.
The Erie Otters used the second overall pick to select Elmira-based centreman Zack Forwell of the Waterloo Wolves, while the Brampton Steelheads chose left-winger Zaiden Hraiche of the Burlington Eagles with the third pick.
The Sarnia Sting made Dean Sheridan of the North Shore Whitecaps the first defenceman selected at number four overall. North Shore is a relatively new program drawing players from both the Oshawa and Clarington talent pools, adding a local connection to the early rounds of the draft.
Much of the attention surrounding this year’s U18 draft focused on Brantford’s selection at number 40. The Bulldogs chose Toronto Nationals goaltender Sophie Jovanovic, making her just the second woman ever drafted into the OHL. Jovanovic is a University of Wisconsin commit for 2027 and earned War for the Roses MVP honours. She is also the sister of former OHL pick Matthew Jovanovic.
The first goaltender selected overall was Landyn Quirk of the Kitchener Jr. Rangers, chosen seventh overall by the Guelph Storm. A total of 52 players were selected from 32 different teams across the province.
Eligibility for the 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection included all U18 players with 2008 and 2009 birth years who were not currently on an OHL protected list and were carded with an Ontario-based U18 AAA club or accredited Hockey Canada sport school.
All OHL member teams were required to draft a minimum of two players. Clubs selecting a goaltender also had the option to select an additional skater in a third round to enhance opportunities specifically for goaltenders.
The OHL U18 Priority Selection concept was developed with full support from Hockey Canada’s three Ontario branches and was first announced in January 2017. The draft provides a pathway for older minor hockey players to earn opportunities at the major junior level.
For Oshawa Generals fans, the addition of Cava provides an exciting glimpse into the team’s future as the organization continues building around young talent. The Generals will look to develop the Thunder Bay product into a contributor at the major junior level in the coming seasons at the Tribute Communities Centre.
Durham Region hockey fans can follow the main OHL Priority Selection draft on Friday, where the Generals will also hold several key picks after their lottery win earlier this spring.
