The 2025 OHL Priority Selection Draft kicked off on April 10th with rounds 1 through 3, and it brought exciting news for the Strathroy Rockets. Three alternate players who suited up with the Rockets this season were chosen by OHL teams, marking a big step forward in their hockey journeys.
One of the standout selections came in Round 1, when the Windsor Spitfires used the 21st overall pick to select Johnny McLaughlin, a talented forward from the Lambton Jr. Sting program who also played as an alternate with the Rockets this season.
McLaughlin, a 5-foot-9 centre from Corunna, had a strong year with Lambton’s U16 AAA team, collecting 33 points in 24 games during the regular season. He also made an impression during a short stint in the GOJHL with the Rockets, notching 2 points in his one game with Strathroy. Known for his quick hands and offensive instincts, McLaughlin is expected to bring energy and scoring power to Windsor’s lineup in the future.
In Round 2, the Flint Firebirds selected Lucas Nutting with the 33rd overall pick. Nutting is a right-shot defenceman from London, who played for the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks U16 AAA and also spent time with the Rockets as an alternate this season.
Nutting stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 175 pounds. He’s known for his strong defensive play and reliable puck movement, making him a solid addition to Flint’s blue line. His time with the Rockets gave him a taste of junior-level competition, helping prepare him for the next step in his development.
Round 3 saw another Rockets alternate hear his name called. The London Knights selected Owen Miniotas 60th overall. Miniotas, a centre from London, played with the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks U16 AAA and appeared in three games with the Rockets in the GOJHL this season.
Miniotas stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 160 pounds. He put up an impressive 44 points in 30 games with the Canucks and added 7 more points in the playoffs. Known for his skating and offensive instincts, Miniotas adds strong depth down the middle for the Knights. His time in Strathroy helped him adjust to the pace and physicality of junior hockey.
These selections are proud moments not just for the players, but also for the Strathroy Rockets organization, which continues to support and help develop rising young talent. Their stories show how valuable experience in junior hockey—even in alternate roles—can be in preparing players for the OHL.
Written by: K. Milhomens