The first North Bay U16 AAA Trappers player came off the board in the third round of the 2022 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection on Friday night.
6’2” 160 pound forward Masen Wray will be making his way to Hamilton, as the Bulldogs selected him 49th overall (sixth pick in the third round).
“I’m excited,” says Wray. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw my name come up. I really saw all my hard work pay off and I know that now I need to work harder.”
Wray says there was some mutual interest between the club and himself going into draft day.
“We had a few calls and a zoom meeting. I feel we have a connection and made a relationship,” says Wray.
Beau Moyer is a North Bay native, and currently a scout with the Hamilton Bulldogs. He says, “His interview was outstanding and we felt very comfortable in knowing that his mindset was mature and his individual goals aligned with the way we operate our program. It was a win for both sides.”
Wray joins a growing list of North Bay area players who have played Major Junior hockey in the Steel City over the last few years including; Ben Garagan, Dylan D’Agostino, Payton Vescio, and Callanders’ Jake Gravelle.
Wray says, “I hope this shows all the kids in the north that you don’t have to leave home to get noticed. Stay and play with your family and friends and the scouts will find us.”
That echoes a large sentiment that was stated not only by scouts going into the draft, including Ontario Director of Scouting for Neutral Zone Paul O’Hagan, but also, by the panel during the draft show who said the Trappers U16 team and the NOHA team that played at the OHL Cup, caught a lot of attention for how well they played and they carried some stand-out players including Wray.
With his size, Wray says he likes to use his body and play physical but adds, “I’m a 200 foot player with speed and a good release and I see the ice well.”
During that OHL Cup tournament Wray had three goals for Team NOHA while in 23 league games he produced 15 goals and 23 points.
Moyer says “We see the potential in Masen as a top six forward that can play our style of game and has that competitive nature that we look for in a Bulldog. President and General Manager Steve Staios and the whole scouting staff love the character, work ethic and upside Masen brings to the table.”
Wray is the son of North Bay Battalion Assistant Coach Scott Wray, who played for the North Bay Centennials during his time in the OHL.
Scott says, “I’m so proud of him and all of his coaches and teammates along the way. All I’ve told him is the next season starts now and lets get ready.”
The draft continues on Saturday, April 30 starting at 9 a.m. with Rounds 4-15. The Priority Selection will be streamed for free in its entirety on CHL TV.
