Greyhounds ink top pick

He called playing in the Ontario Hockey League a dream and Bryce McConnell-Barker is one step closer to it.

The 15-year-old, who was selected by the Soo Greyhounds in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection in April, officially signed with the team on Friday.

“Since I can remember, I have dreamt of playing in the OHL,” McConnell-Barker said in a prepared statement.

“I plan to give hard work, community effort, and show the Soo fans my commitment to be at my best,” McConnell-Barker added.

During the draft, Greyhounds general manager Kyle Raftis spoke of McConnell-Barker’s smarts and skill.

“He’s smart. He’s got great speed and great skill,” Raftis said. “He’s got an engine on him and as a centreman, he puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenders. He can really create space for himself.

“He’s someone that can create offence for himself and his teammates,” Raftis added.

McConnell-Barker played the 2019-20 season with the minor midget London Jr. Knights and scored 30 goals in 33 games while being named the Alliance player of the year, finishing the season with 49 points.

The young centre also played six games with the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Komoka Kings, where he scored three goals and six points.