Draft eligibles net OHL rookie honors

Austin Broad2017 Draft Center, OHL

Photo by Aaron Bell | CHL Images

The Ontario Hockey League had no shortage of standout performances from rookies. 

And there was no shortage of those rookies representing the 2017 NHL Draft class. The OHL named their First and Second All-Rookie Teams for the 2016-17 season and plenty of draft eligibles have made the list.

Eemeli Rasanen of the Kingston Frontenacs was named to the First All-Rookie Team after an impressive campaign. Rasanen, 98th in Future Considerations’ Spring ranking for the 2017 NHL Draft, put up six goals and 33 assists for 39 points in 66 games. Teammate Linus Nyman was also named to the team, and scored 26 goals and added 24 assists for 50 points in 68 games for Kingston this season.

Adam Ruzicka, ranked 51st, was named to the second team. The Sarnia Sting center had 25 goals and 21 assists for 46 points in 61 games. Joining Ruzicka on the second team is London left winger Alex Formenton. Formenton, ranked 59th, had 18 goals and added 16 assists for 34 points in 65 games for the Knights.

Also named to the Second All-Rookie OHL team is Kitchener Rangers right winger Greg Meireles. Meireles, ranked 63rd, scored 17 goals and put up 25 assists for 42 points in 66 games played this season. Goaltender Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds was also named to the second team. Villalta recorded a 2.41 goals against average and a .918 save percentage while posting a stellar 25-3-0 record for the Greyhounds this season.