Photo courtesy of Jordan MacDonald
Kaden McGregor has made another major stride in his hockey career – being selected first overall in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection.
McGregor, a right-handed centre, becomes the first player ever drafted first overall by the Peterborough Petes. He also earns the Jack Ferguson Award, given annually to the top pick in the Ontario Hockey League draft.
“I’m speechless, this has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid,” said McGregor. “To hear my name get called is a surreal moment for both me and my family.”
McGregor captained the Ottawa Valley Titans U16 to a 29-2-1 record, leading the HEO league in goals (38), assists (44), and points (82) in just 29 regular season games. He also topped playoff scoring with 24 points in nine games, earning the title of 2025 HEO Player of the Year — an honour previously held by Anaheim Ducks forward and former Petes first-round pick Mason McTavish.
“We’re very excited to select Kaden,” said Petes GM and VP of Operations Michael Oke. “He’s a right-handed centre who plays a solid two-way game and had an excellent season leading the Titans.”
In the OHL Cup, McGregor finished third in tournament scoring with 11 points in five games, earning All-Star honours despite the Titans’ quarter-final exit. He also netted 21 goals in six games at OFSAA while representing St. Joseph’s High School in Renfrew.
The Petes will formally introduce McGregor at a press conference Saturday at 8:45 a.m., streamed live on their Facebook page.