Journal staff
The Sarnia Sting welcomed three more prospects to the club following Wednesday’s 2023 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection.
With the 15th overall pick, the Sting added goaltender Nate Gillis of the Toronto Nationals U18 AAA team. The 6’3, 196-pound Pickering, Ontario native had success through his minor hockey career in the Markham Waxers program, who he represented at the OHL Cup last spring, said Sting GM Dylan Seca. Gillis posted a 3-1-0 record and a .877 save percentage.
“Nate is a goalie who our goaltending coach Franky Palazzese is very familiar with,” said Seca. “He has played on some excellent teams and put a lot of work into his game.
"We are excited to see him in Sarnia."
Sarnia’s second-round selection went to winger Julian Mandarino from the Toronto Titans U18 AAA team. The Toronto native tallied nine goals and 15 assists through 34 games played with the Titans, building off a U16 season where he recorded eight goals and 17 assists in 26 appearances
“Julian is a player that we liked at the end of last year’s draft, and we figured he should have been selected,” said Seca. “He is a strong skater who competes well and leaves everything on the ice.”
The Sting’s third round pick went to Aurora, Ontario native Nicholas Ferrante.
The 5’7, 153-pound centreman scored 30 goals and 35 assists through 43 games played for St. Andrew’s College this season.
During his U16 season, Ferrante played in 24 games with the York Simcoe Express U16 AAA team, recording three goals and 14 assists.
“Nicholas is a skilled player who put up huge numbers last year,” said Seca. “We hope his game continues to improve and we are excited to see him at training camp in September.”
Full results can be viewed here: https://ontariohockeyleague.com/draft/2023U18