Storm plan to select Ryan Merkley with first pick in OHL draft

Merkley served as the Jr. Canadiens' captain this season, registering seven goals and 37 assists in 33 games. (Aaron Bell/OHL Images)

TORONTO – The Guelph Storm plan to select 15-year-old defenceman Ryan Merkley with the first overall pick in the 2016 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

Merkley was named Greater Toronto Hockey League player of the year after leading the Toronto Jr. Canadiens in scoring with 44 points (seven goals, 37 assists) in 33 regular season games.

The Storm made the announcement Friday on the eve of the draft.

Merkley, a five-foot-10 160-pound native of Mississauga, Ont., will be eligible for the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

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