Top pick commits to Greyhounds

The Soo Greyhounds have signed their top pick from the 2015 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

The Greyhounds announced on Monday that the team has inked centre Liam Hawel,

“As a multi-sport athlete and a great student, we are thrilled today to announce Liam’s commitment to our program,” Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis said in a release.

“Liam’s game has taken tremendous strides over the last 12 months and with his combination of pro-style size, speed and skill, we are very excited to see where his potential can take him.”

Hawel played with the Ottawa Valley Titans minor midget team during the 2014-15 season.

The 16-year-old scored 18 goals and 49 points in 25 games with the Titans before adding five goals and 14 points in 10 playoff games. In the OHL Cup, Hawel led the Titans with two goals and three points in three games.

The Greyhounds selected Hawel with the final pick (22nd overall) of the first round.

The signing comes after the Greyhounds inked their third round pick, defenceman Anthony Demeo, in late-May.

Teams around the OHL continue to sign players as the summer progresses.

The Hamilton Bulldogs (formerly the Belleville Bulls) announced on Monday that they signed top pick Matthew Strome, who was selected eighth overall in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.

It marked a good stretch for the Strome family as Matthew’s older brother Dylan, who plays with the OHL’s Erie Otters, signed an entry level contract with the Arizona Coyotes on Monday after being selected third overall in the NHL Draft at the end of June.

(Photo courtesy James Egan Photography)