Alumni Spotlight: Canadian Major Junior

During the 2019-20 season, a total of 32 alumni from Central Canada Hockey League programs suited up at the Major Junior level in the Canadian Hockey League. 

Alumni such as Greg Meireles, Kieran Craig, Samuel Bitten, Jack York, Patrick Kyte, Will Cranley, and Top NHL Draft prospect Jack Quinn are just a handful of the former CCHL talent who continue to progress at the highest level of junior hockey in North America. 

JACK QUINN | OTTAWA 67’S

The Cobden, ON native found a new gear this past season, shredding the Ontario Hockey League with 52 goals and 89 points. His goal-scoring ability and two-way game has him on the radar of every NHL team heading into the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, where he is projected to be a top 10 selection. Through two seasons with the 67’s, the sniper has totaled 122 points (64G, 58A) in 131 games of action.  Prior to his time in the OHL, Quinn played as a 16-year old with the Kanata Lasers where he brought home CCHL Top Prospect and Rookie of the Year honours. The most exciting thing about Quinn is even though he is coming off a tremendous year, he still has room to grow his overall game and has high potential that can still be unlocked.

GREG MEIRELES | KITCHENER RANGERS

The Ottawa, ON native really put his game together over the past two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. After totaling 72 points over the course of his first 121 games, the speedy center reached a new level which saw him post 167 points (67G, 100A) in his last 116 games. His emergence and offensive surge saw him selected by the Florida Panthers in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to his major junior career, Meireles played for the CCHL’s Ottawa Jr Senators during the 2015-16 season as a sixteen year old where he was named to the CCHL All-Rookie Team. 

KIERAN CRAIG | GATINEAU OLYMPIQUES

The Alexandria, ON native more than tripled his offensive output in 2019-20 from the previous season by totaling 48 points (22G, 26A) in 64 games to lead the Olympiques in scoring. Heading into the 2020-21 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season, the two-way forward and alumni of the Hawkesbury Hawks will surely be leaned on more heavily which could result in even more production. Although not currently ranked for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, Craig is still expected to earn a rookie camp invite and could end up making whatever pro team gives him a look very happy. 

SAMUEL BITTEN | SARNIA STING

The Gloucester, ON native and Kanata Lasers alumni performed well in his first season with the Ontario Hockey League’s Sarnia Sting after being acquired from the Ottawa 67’s last summer. The rangy winger totaled 32 points (12G, 20A) in 52 games as he missed time with injury. Heading into 2020-21, Bitten will be expected to add more consistency as the Frontenacs will need more offence from him if they want to compete for a playoff spot. 

JACK YORK | BARRIE COLTS/PETERBOROUGH PETES

The Ottawa, ON native and Kemptville 73’s alumni split time between the Peterborough Petes and Barrie Colts this past season where he totaled 17 points (4G, 13A) in 56 games of action. Known as a two-way defenseman, York is a worker in his own end and makes smart and simple plays offensively, especially when moving the puck up ice. This coming season will be his final year of junior eligibility and he will need to continue to fine-tune his game if he wants to reach the next level permanently. He was invited to the Montreal Canadiens Rookie Camp last season and will definitely garner some attention around the league once rookie camps and training camps commence for the 2020-21 NHL season. 

PATRICK KYTE | CHICOUTIMI SAGUENEENS/HALIFAX MOOSEHEADS

The Pembroke, ON native finished off a strong junior career this past season as he split time between the Halifax Mooseheads and Chicoutimi Sagueneens of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. In 46 games of action, the offensive minded defenseman totaled 22 points (7G, 15A). At the conclusion of his Major Junior career, Kyte amassed 78 points (20G, 58A) in 173 contests. In January it was announced that Kyte will be heading to Nova Scotia and joining STFX University of USPORTS for the 2020-21 season.

WILL CRANLEY | OTTAWA 67’S

The Peterborough, ON native and Navan Grads alumni showed flashes of brilliance in his first season with the Ottawa 67’s. In total, he posted an 18-2-0 record with a 2.81 GAA, .894 SV%, and 4 shutouts. His efforts have him recognized as the #4 ranked North American goaltender heading into the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. A couple more seasons at the Major Junior level are expected following the draft, but Cranley has future star written all over him. He has the prototypical size at 6-4, very sound rebound control, and a calming presence that brings his entire team confidence when he’s between the pipes.