Quinte Red Devils’ Minor Midget AAA star center Dalyn Wakely called it an honor to be drafted into the Ontario Hockey League.
Following a standout season which saw the captain finish first in Eastern AAA Hockey League for points with 72, (30 goals, 42 assists) this 16- year-old Curve Lake First Nations player experienced the thrill of being selected second round, 30th overall on Saturday, April 4th in the 2020 OHL draft by the North Bay Battalions.
“Obviously it’s an honor to be drafted by any team in the OHL,” Wakely, who’s from Port Hope said. Meanwhile not long after he was selected in an online draft, the Chief of Curve Lake Emily Whetung showed her pride in a public online message present on the Curve Lake First Nation Territory website.
“This is a huge accomplishment and we are proud of you,” Whetung said. She also went on to add, “Congratulations to you and your family. Keep working hard toward your dream and chi-miigwetch for being such a great role model for our youth Dalyn! With pride and admiration on behalf of your First Nation.”
According to the Prospect Pipeline webpage, Wakely has been described as a physical player who likes to dish out hard open ice body checks. He also possesses a heavy, hard and accurate shot, while playing an effective game at both ends of the ice.
This 5’11” 163 -pound teenager also showed to be a clutch performer as he scored four goals in eight playoff games. After leading his team to an OMHA championship, he officially committed in late April to North Bay by signing a standard player’s agreement contract which included an education package.
“A huge moment in my life, thanks to the North Bay Battalion,” Wakely said. “Ready to go to war with the boys. Big things coming.”
Meanwhile Battalions General Manager Adam Dennis had some strong praise for his second -round draft choice by saying, “He plays a complete game and is one of the elite goal scorers for his age. We look forward to helping Dalyn continue in his development.”
Last season the Battalions also made a statement when they picked in the fifth round (91st overall) another dynamic offensive player in Misissaugas Of The Credit First Nation resident Steve LaForme who, in his first year playing junior with the Hamilton Kilty B’s, posted 11 goals and 56 goals along with 58 penalty minutes in 50 games.
These two players obviously give Battalion fans something to get excited about after seeing their team finish last when the OHL season was cut short due to COVID-19 crisis.
