Cassels, John selected in OHL Priority Selection Draft

April 17, 2025

The OHL Priority Selection Draft took place last weekend with a pair of 15O AAA Blue Jackets teammates being selected by historic franchises. The Barrie Colts selected forward Cruz Cassels in the 10th round (pick 199), while defenseman Cooper John was selected in the 15th round (pick 297) by the Oshawa Generals.

"We are proud of both Cruz and Cooper on being selected in the OHL Draft," said head coach Josh Harrold. "These selections are a testament to hard both of these young men worked this season. It was a goal for both of them at the start of the season. I have no doubt they will continue to put in the work every day as they pursue their dreams of playing hockey at the next levels”

This past season, Cassels and John helped lead the 15O AAA Blue Jackets squad into the championship bracket of the T1EHL league playoffs and the 4th overall seed in the Mid American District.

A hard-working and gritty forward, Cassels tallied 15 goals, 21 assists and 36 points this past season, good for second on the team in scoring. A well-rounded defenseman, John scored 6 goals, 26 assists and 32 points to lead all blueliners. He also recently participated in the OHL Cup, scoring a goal, assist and 2 points in 5 games in the pre-draft showcase tournament.

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is regarded one of the top player development Leagues in the world, and continues to be a leading supplier of talent to both the National Hockey League, National teams at all levels, U SPORTS (Canadian University) hockey, and now the NCAA.