OHL training camps are just around the corner and every day there’s more news regarding teams adding or subtracting players from their rosters. Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News OHL site to stay updated on all news and training camp roster announcements.
During our training camp series on the site, we will analyze the Import players, overage players (2004-born), first-year draft-eligible players to keep an eye on, and each team’s representation from their 2024 draft class, as well as any other storylines.
Today we are looking at the Guelph Storm’s training camp roster. The PDF link to their roster can be found here.
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The Storm finished sixth in the Western Conference last season with a 33-28-6-1 record and were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Soo Greyhounds.
Their organization did see their number one center Jett Luchanko get drafted 13th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The young man already has received some comparisons to Flyers legend Claude Giroux.
Luchanko is included on Guelph’s training camp roster, but it’s possible that he is not at the camp as he could be training in Philadelphia and preparing for his first professional training camp in September.
However, let’s break down the rest of Guelph’s training camp roster.
Overage Players
Guelph has three forwards and one defenseman entering their final year of OHL eligibility — Jake Karabela, Ryan McGuire, Max Namestnikov, and Thomas Budnick.
Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
Karabela was a fifth-round draft pick in 2022 by the Washington Capitals but was unsigned by the team. He has spent his entire career in Guelph since being drafted 32nd overall by them in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. Jake is also from Guelph so don’t expect him to go anywhere and play out his last year in his hometown.
McGuire has also spent his entire career in Guelph. He’s played 165 games for the organization as a gritty, physical, and energetic depth forward.
Namestnikov was drafted third overall in 2020 by the Sarnia Sting but has spent the last season-and-a-half in Guelph. The Storm need more offense if they want to improve and Max’s skill level should secure him a spot on the team.
Last but not least is Budnick, who was acquired by the team from the Kingston Frontenacs during last season. Since the league rule is teams can only dress three overage players for a game, Budnick and McGuire most likely will be subbing…