Adam Dennis wants his Battalion players to know where they are selected in the NHL Entry Draft does not define them.
In fact, being undrafted is not a defining factor either.
Case and point Anthony Romani.
The Battalion was the top OHL goal scorer in 2023-24 and was named to the OHL Second All-Star team.
However, in the summer of 2023, Romani was overlooked in the NHL Entry Draft.
"I know how much these kids want to be drafted, and you know that's something that we really hope they can all accomplish," said Dennis, who was recently named OHL GM of the Year and is now the Battalion President and Director of Hockey Operations.
"I think it's really important to know that it's not the end of the line if you don't (get drafted)."
A trio of Battalion forwards were listed by NHL Central Scouting in their final rankings in April.
Centre Procyszyn was ranked 48th on a list of 224 North American-based skaters in advance of the 2024 NHL Draft to be held June 28-29 at Las Vegas, while right winger Romani is No. 70. Centre Wakely makes his debut on the list at No. 116.
Meantime, Tnias Mathurian, selected in 2022 by the Red Wings, will re-enter the draft while rookie netminder Mike McIvor's tremendous playoff run has him on the NHL Draft radar after being overlooked in the final Central Scouting rankings.
Procyszyn, who turns 18 on July 11, was North Bay’s first-round pick, 20th overall, in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the North Central Predators U16s. He was ranked 59th at midseason.
In 62 games this season, the six-foot-three, 189-pound Wasaga Beach product netted 15 goals and earned 21 assists for 36 points. In 124 career games, he has 20 goals and 34 assists for 54 points.
Romani has worked hard to enhance his skills and strength in preparation for his second chance to be drafted into the NHL.
“The Battalion organization has had a huge impact on my development,” said the 19-year-old Pickering, Ont. native to Ontariohockeyleague.com.
“They took me in as a 16-year-old and developed all aspects of my game. We have a great program in North Bay, on and off the ice, which has greatly aided my development. The coaches have always trusted me and put in their full effort to help me improve every day. I couldn’t thank them more for the effort and trust they have invested in me.”
In 68 games, Romani had a league-leading 58 goals and 53 assists for 111 points, finishing second in the OHL scoring race. In 188 career games, Romani has 89 goals and 79 assists for 168 points.
Meantime Wakely scored 39 goals and earned a team-high 65 assists for 104 points in 66 games this season. In 199 career games, he has 89 goals and 98 assists for 187 points.
"We hope that we hear some names called, if not, it's back to work," said Dennis, who left for Vegas on Wednesday afternoon.
Free agent route?
Dennis says guys like Barclay Goodrow and Justin Brazeau have proved, the free-agent route can work too.
"That story has been played out a few times by some of the guys that have gotten those free-agent contracts," noted Dennis.
"So it's exciting. And you know, with it being the last one (live NHL draft), and being in Las Vegas, we're looking forward to the show, that's for sure."
Draft history
The Battalion had five players selected in the 2022 NHL Entry draft. That list included Ty Nelson, Liam Arnsby, Dom DiVincentiis and Tnias Mathurin.
However, no Battalion players were selected in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft including Romani, then Battalion netminder Charlie Robertson and defenceman Wyatt Kennedy.
Playoff Battle-tested
Dennis hopes the long playoff run caught the eye of multiple NHL scouts.
"When teams look at how they want their teams to be in the future, they want winners," noted Dennis.
"They want guys that can play in those tough moments, play in those pretty situations. And I think for a lot of our guys, they've proven that they are battle tested.
He believes teams recognize that both Wakely and Romani have played in three straight Eastern Conference finals, while Procyszyn has now competed in two.
Dennis notes that McIvor's rookie playoff effort hasn't gone unnoticed.
"For Mike to get that kind of experience and opportunity. We certainly knew the type of goalie he was capable of becoming, but now that he's got a resume, so to speak, in the playoffs, it's something that teams want and they covet," he continued.
"It's something that we're certainly happy to compete in the playoffs every year, and we want to try to go deeper every year. And I think that's something that is obviously we want to continue.
"But from a drafting perspective, I certainly know from our drafts that we want guys that know how to win and have been there before."
