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Ethan Bridgess, hailing from Stratford, was picked by North Bay in the sixth round, 117th overall.
Jun 16, 2026 • Last updated 5 hours ago •
North Bay selected Stratford’s Ethan Bridges in the sixth round, 117th overall. (David Pickering photo)
Declan Mc Cotter was preparing for work on Saturday and enjoying lunch with his mom, brother, and grandpa while the Ontario Hockey League draft took place.
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Then it happened.
The Flint Firebirds, a team Mc Cotter hadn’t met during the pre-draft process, chose the Huron-Perth Lakers’ forward in the fourth round, 77th overall. When Mc Cotter’s dad heard the news, he rushed to join them in the kitchen to snap photos while everyone embraced.
“We were soaking it all in,” said the 15-year-old from St. Marys. “I wanted to be with my family because they’ve supported me through everything, and sharing that moment with them was amazing.”
“I’m still kind of in shock. It’s crazy that after seven years (with the Lakers) it finally happened.”
The timing was perfect for Mc Cotter, who had a talent for being at the right spot with the Lakers during the 2025-26 season. He led his triple-A team with 28 goals and 60 points over just 30 regular season games and added two goals along with ten points during eight playoff matches. He also scored once across four OHL Cup games.
“I changed my mindset,” he explained. “I focused more on being a team player and gave my all every shift because winning is what mattered most; that mindset led to my success.”
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Mc Cotter was one of eight U16 Lakers drafted this year.
“It shows how strong our team was this season,” he noted. “We played well together all year and worked hard; every player who got drafted earned their spot.”
A standout among them was Ethan Bridges, a winger who played alongside Mc Cotter for three seasons. Bridges made his way to North Bay as their pick in the sixth round at number 117 overall. He attended Kingston’s K-Rock Centre when he heard his name called by Battalion.
“It felt unreal,” he shared. “I’ve been looking forward to this moment for years now; it really is incredible.”
The North Bay staff reached out to Bridges before draft day for a chat about off-ice interests after he posted an impressive campaign tallying up to sixteen goals and forty-six points throughout thirty regular season contests. Additionally adding three goals and six points across eight playoff games plus an assist during four OHL Cup encounters marked his achievements this past year.
Bridges’ skills have improved significantly over recent seasons as draft day approached since he dedicated time towards tackling weaknesses both on ice and off. “This summer I focused on consistency,” he said.
. Bridges is already gearing up for next season (2026-27) having signed on with Stratford Warriors where there’s potential he’ll reunite on line again with Mc Cotter who has also committed himself to playing under Greater Ontario Hockey League club colors next year.
“Transitioning from U16 hockey into juniors will be quite different,” added Bridges “It’s faster paced than before – keeping up physically against bigger players requires adjustment.”
“I’m excited about joining up soon so I can contribute towards whatever plans they have!”
Sully Kipfer from Milverton had a longer wait but eventually learned Sarnia picked him up in fifteenth round when Jason Brooks – A scout affiliated with Sting also serves as head coach at Lakers’ U16 – made that special call notifying him regarding being drafted via last selection available! “It meant something special hearing from Jason about being chosen,” Kipfer reflected back positively upon forming connections throughout prior seasons spent associated closely alongside organization leading into this crucial event.
Kipfer scored three times totaling fifteen points spread across twenty-eight regular-season appearances last time around while contributing further assistance within twelve playoff/OHL cup matches helping improve defensive strategies learned through competitive play amidst efforts made individually enhancing performance levels needed moving forward!
However doubt crept into thoughts concerning whether enough would suffice garner attention required considering dwindling numbers left unpicked by conclusion day,
“Getting anxious at one point crossed my mind”, admitted Kipfer candidly explaining pressure built gradually over course awaiting decisions while keeping faith alive hoping things unfold favorably instead if nothing materializes remember good players sometimes go undrafted & what follows afterwards truly matters most!”Kipfer has agreed upon joining Waterloo’s U18 squad next term should Junior B openings fail present themselves soon after graduation away from Listowel Cyclones through few outings previously held last year wherein enjoyed game experiences benefiting learning opportunities alike!“Navigating pathways isn’t simple but grateful fortunate finding chance emerge access possibly opening doors leading ahead!” said Kipfer enthusiastically embracing opportunities lay ahead!Other notable names drafted include Wyatt Finch (Arva; #100 – Sarnia), Evan Miller (London; #113 – Sault Ste Marie), Colton Van Geffen (Strathroy; #188 – Guelph), Rylan Da Costa (West Lorne; #226 – Sudbury) & Luke Mc Lean(London ;#247-Saginaw). Meanwhile Kane Cloutier based out Vaughan Kings kicked off selections going first overall heading Oshawa while Colin Kennedy followed closely behind ranking second selected Erie-who happens also happen share lineage connected locally via Craig Hartsburg grandfather whom hails originally Stratford area!To see complete results visit chl. ca/ohl
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Bridges’ skills have improved significantly over recent seasons as draft day approached since he dedicated time towards tackling weaknesses both on ice and off. “This summer I focused on consistency,” he said.
. Bridges is already gearing up for next season (2026-27) having signed on with Stratford Warriors where there’s potential he’ll reunite on line again with Mc Cotter who has also committed himself to playing under Greater Ontario Hockey League club colors next year.
“Transitioning from U16 hockey into juniors will be quite different,” added Bridges “It’s faster paced than before – keeping up physically against bigger players requires adjustment.”
“I’m excited about joining up soon so I can contribute towards whatever plans they have!”
Sully Kipfer from Milverton had a longer wait but eventually learned Sarnia picked him up in fifteenth round when Jason Brooks – A scout affiliated with Sting also serves as head coach at Lakers’ U16 – made that special call notifying him regarding being drafted via last selection available! “It meant something special hearing from Jason about being chosen,” Kipfer reflected back positively upon forming connections throughout prior seasons spent associated closely alongside organization leading into this crucial event.
Kipfer scored three times totaling fifteen points spread across twenty-eight regular-season appearances last time around while contributing further assistance within twelve playoff/OHL cup matches helping improve defensive strategies learned through competitive play amidst efforts made individually enhancing performance levels needed moving forward!
However doubt crept into thoughts concerning whether enough would suffice garner attention required considering dwindling numbers left unpicked by conclusion day,
“Getting anxious at one point crossed my mind”, admitted Kipfer candidly explaining pressure built gradually over course awaiting decisions while keeping faith alive hoping things unfold favorably instead if nothing materializes remember good players sometimes go undrafted & what follows afterwards truly matters most!”Kipfer has agreed upon joining Waterloo’s U18 squad next term should Junior B openings fail present themselves soon after graduation away from Listowel Cyclones through few outings previously held last year wherein enjoyed game experiences benefiting learning opportunities alike!“Navigating pathways isn’t simple but grateful fortunate finding chance emerge access possibly opening doors leading ahead!” said Kipfer enthusiastically embracing opportunities lay ahead!Other notable names drafted include Wyatt Finch (Arva; #100 – Sarnia), Evan Miller (London; #113 – Sault Ste Marie), Colton Van Geffen (Strathroy; #188 – Guelph), Rylan Da Costa (West Lorne; #226 – Sudbury) & Luke Mc Lean(London ;#247-Saginaw). Meanwhile Kane Cloutier based out Vaughan Kings kicked off selections going first overall heading Oshawa while Colin Kennedy followed closely behind ranking second selected Erie-who happens also happen share lineage connected locally via Craig Hartsburg grandfather whom hails originally Stratford area!To see complete results visit chl. ca/ohl
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