Five Rookies to Watch as OHL Training Camps Open
With most Ontario Hockey League training camps set to open August 24, fans and evaluators will get their first extended look at some of the league's top recent draftees.
The Erie Otters are the only exception, beginning their camp this weekend as the club celebrates its 30th season in the Flagship City.
From there, the league's top prospects will take part in exhibition games, getting their first opportunities to test themselves against established OHL players while competing for spots in their respective lineups.
The first round of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection saw 11 forwards, eight defencemen and a goaltender taken. For the first time in 25 years, the draft returned to an in-person format at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston.
Kane Cloutier — Oshawa Generals
Kane Cloutier will be the most closely watched prospect when training camps open this week.
The Jack Ferguson Award winner helped lead the Vaughan Kings to a GTHL championship last season before tallying 11 points in four games at the 2026 OHL Cup to solidify his position atop draft lists.
The Oakville native became the first GTHL player drafted first overall since now-San Jose Sharks forward Michael Misa was taken by the Saginaw Spirit in 2022 Priority Selection.
The 16-year-old is entering camp with a reputation as one of the most dynamic offensive players in his draft class.
In 33 league games, Cloutier had 32 goals and 58 points to lead his team in scoring.
Training camp and the exhibition schedule will provide the Generals with their first look at their prized selection against OHL competition.
How quickly Cloutier adjusts to the OHL game could determine how soon he earns a regular role in Oshawa.
Logan Prud'homme — Kingston Frontenacs
You won't have to look very hard to find Logan Prud'homme at Kingston Frontenacs camp. At 6-foot-7, the 10th overall pick was listed as the biggest player in the draft class.
Prud'homme is coming off a standout season with Upper Canada College, where he led the Blues with 44 goals and 96 points in 69 games.
At camp, veteran head coach Troy Mann and his staff will get their first look at how that combination will translate against established OHL players.
The Ottawa native has compared his game to Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson, another towering centre who also uses his size, skill and elite shot.
If Prud’homme can put everything together, he has the potential to develop into a high-scoring power forward.
Max Lappan — Niagara IceDogs
Max Lappan was the first defenceman drafted in the 2026 Priority Selection, going ninth overall to the Niagara IceDogs.
He was also the first American-born player taken. The 6-foot-3 blueliner is coming off a dominant offensive season with Detroit HoneyBaked, scoring 24 goals and 132 points in 89 games before helping his team win the OHL Cup.
He’ll now look to continue that success in major junior under new IceDogs head coach Jake Grimes.
Grimes brings more than 30 years of coaching experience to Niagara and has worked with several highly skilled defencemen during his career, including P.K. Subban, Zayne Parekh and Shawn Lalonde.
For a Niagara team continuing to build under long-time OHL general manager Dale DeGray, Lappan is an important part of the organization’s future plans.
Owen Loftus — North Bay Battalion
As the first goalie drafted in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Owen Loftus will draw plenty of attention throughout training camp.
The North Bay Battalion selected Loftus 11th overall, hoping they have found a netminder who can develop into a long-term piece for the organization.
In 50 games with the Don Mills Flyers last season, Loftus posted a 25-15-10 record, a 2.00 goals-against average and nine shutouts.
Goaltenders often require more time to develop, but given his draft status, Loftus will be closely watched in North Bay.
Aiden Kelly — Brantford Bulldogs
There won’t be the same pressure that comes with being an earlier pick, but Aiden Kelly has a chance to show why the Brantford Bulldogs were so high on him.
Brantford took the Rochester, Michigan, native 20th overall, but, as director of hockey operations and assistant general manager Mike Galati said in a team release, Kelly was the team’s top-rated player heading into the draft.
Last season with Detroit Little Caesars, Kelly had 35 points in 20 games and finished fifth in tournament scoring at the OHL Cup.
The Bulldogs like Kelly’s offensive game, competitiveness and physicality and will give him a chance to compete for a top-six role right away.
Brantford believes Kelly has a chance to be one of the steals of the draft and make an immediate impact.
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