The IceDogs’ management and scouting team are setting the stage for a promising future in Niagara. They have successfully chosen standout players in recent OHL drafts, including Kevin He (25th overall in 2022) and Ryan Roobroeck (2nd overall in 2023), and have added potential game-changer Braidy Wassilyn, selected 4th overall in the latest OHL Priority Selection.
The team continues to focus on draft picks and has now signed their second and third-round selections: Maximus Crete, Matthew Humphries, and Nicholas Frasca.
“We are excited to welcome Maximus to the Niagara IceDogs. He is a dynamic player with excellent skating ability who can make plays quickly through the middle of the ice,” said Interim GM Wes Consorti about Maximus Crete. Crete impressed at the OHL Cup in March, scoring eight points in just four games.
According to OHL Site Editor Joely Stockl, Crete might have deserved a first-round selection. Despite being chosen in the second round, 30th overall by Niagara, he has exceptional vision and playmaking skills. Stockl highlighted Crete’s consistent engagement with the puck and his strength, noting he is likely to be a winger at the OHL level.
Matthew Humphries, the second goalie picked in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, played alongside Wassilyn for the Markham Majors U16 AAA. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 180 pounds, Humphries has solid goaltender size.
Adam Munro, Director of Goaltending for the IceDogs, praised Humphries: “Matthew is perhaps the most OHL-ready goalie in this draft. He covers the net well, battles hard, and reads plays effectively. He also handles the puck well.”
Nicholas Frasca, the fourth of his siblings to be drafted into the OHL, joins the IceDogs after playing for the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA in the GTHL. His older brothers have had notable OHL careers, with Jordan now with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jacob seeking a pro contract after playing for the Soo Greyhounds, and Gabriel currently with Kingston and expected to be a 2024 NHL Draft prospect.
“Nicholas demonstrates a high hockey IQ and a composed defensive game. He effectively gets pucks to the net and is a solid all-around defenseman,” said Interim GM Wes Consorti.
With these new additions, the future looks promising for Niagara, especially in their forward lineup. The IceDogs ended the season in last place in the OHL with a 17-43-6-2 record and a minus-130 goal differential, and have not made the playoffs since 2019.
