For the first time in the 56-year history of the draft, the Peterborough Petes will pick first overall. The Petes landed the top pick after winning the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft lottery, securing the number one selection in the 2025 Priority Selection Draft, which is set to begin at 7 p.m. on April 11. Finishing last in the league standings this season, the Petes entered the lottery with a 40% chance of getting the first pick.
The Petes have drafted notable talents like Doug Jarvis (7th overall, 1972), Steve Yzerman (4th overall, 1981), Mike Ricci (26th overall, 1987), Chris Pronger (89th overall, 1991), Eric Staal (13th overall, 2000), and Jordan Staal (3rd overall, 2004) in past years, however, they’ve never had the first overall pick. The Petes have drafted third multiple times, including Colin Fitzgerald last year, with their only second overall pick coming in 2011 when they selected Nick Ritchie.
The Guelph Storm will pick second, Ottawa 67’s third and Sarnia Sting fourth, while the top 16 teams, who all qualified for the playoffs, will draft in reverse order of their standings, with the exception of three compensatory picks that will be included in this year’s first round.
After a tough season, the Petes will aim to leverage the first overall pick to select a talented prospect who can help steer the franchise back to their winning tradition.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
