Four locals selected at OHL draft

Four local players have realized a hockey dream of many by being selected in the 2005 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection draft.

Zack Torquato started the local excitement when he was snagged third overall in the first round by the Saginaw Spirit. (See related article on the Sports page)

The Greyhounds then looked into their own back yard by selecting talented defenseman Michael Quesnele (pictured)from the Soo North Stars AAA Midgets in the fifth round.

In 33 games with the North Stars, Quesnele posted eight goals, 17 assists, 25 points and 51 penalty minutes.

In the ninth round, the Sudbury Wolves took right winger Paul Dupont at 173rd overall from the powerful North Stars squad.

In 36 games, Dupont finished second in league scoring behind teammate Tyler Gendron, with 30 goals and 38 assists for 68 points. In 10 playoff games, Dupont added nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points.

Staying at home in the 13th round, the Greyhounds snapped up right winger Brad DiCandia from the Great North Midget League champion and provincial silver medalist North Stars.

In 34 regular season games, DiCandia scored 13 goals and 18 assists for 31 points to go with 113 penalty minutes. In nine playoff games, DiCandia scored three goals and four assists for seven points and 40 penalty minutes.

Another player with local ties selected in the draft was Garden River product Jordan Nolan, the son of Ted Nolan, who now resides in St. Catherines and was selected in the third round, 50th overall by the Erie Otters.

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(PHOTO: Hounds fifth round pick Michael Quesnele)