O'Leary taken first overall in MHL Draft

Saint John Sea Dogs prospect Matthew O’Leary was taken first overall by the St. Stephen Aces in Saturday’s MHL Draft.

O’Leary was drafted by the Sea Dogs in the 12^th round of last year’s QMJHL Entry Draft. The defenseman registered nine goals and 17 assists in 32 games with the St. John’s Privateers midget AAA team this past season. He added one goal and two assists in six playoff games.

A number of other Sea Dogs prospects were taken in today’s draft. Via The Q News, here are the full results:

No. 1 – County – Matthew O’Leary – Saint John

No. 13 – Woodstock – Ian Smallwood – Saint John

No. 19 – Pictou County – Matthew Steinburg – Saint John

No. 21 – Truro – Jack McGovern – Saint John
No. 29 - Miramichi - Devan Newhook - Saint John

No. 67 – Pictou County – Nick Fewer – Saint John

Truly honoured to be selected 1st overall by the @AcesJrHockey in the 2016 @THEMHL draft #Blessed

— Matt O'Leary (@Matt_oleary419) June 11, 2016

O’Leary and Smallwood were both drafted by Saint John in last year’s draft. The others were taken this year.

Meanwhile, Nico Blachman (Campbellton) and Gabriel Bettez (Miramichi) of the Sea Dogs were taken in the MHL’s QMJHL Supplementary Draft. Prospects Simon Elsliger (Dieppe), Michael Waugh (Miramichi) and Kevin Mason (Pictou) were chosen as territorial picks.