Kitchener Rangers make first selections in 2025 OHL Priority Draft
Posted Apr 12, 2025 07:50:02 AM.
Last Updated Apr 12, 2025 10:38:40 AM.
The Kitchener Rangers are looking ahead to the future as they drafted a few of their future stars in the first three rounds of the 2025 OHL Priority Draft.
Kitchener used the 22nd overall pick in the first round to selection left winger Kane Barch from the Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA. Last season, Barch recorded 59 points (23 goals and 36 assists) in 30 regular season games and 17 points (five goals and 12 assists) during the playoffs. Barch was born in Plano, Texas and lives in Grand Bend. He is also the son of former NHLer Krys Barch, who was drafted by the Washington Capital in 1998, and also played for the New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars.
“Kane is a high-end player that brings energy and compete every shift,“ General Manager Mike McKenzie said in a press release. “He is the type of player you win hockey games with and can play the game any way you want him to whether it is a skill or gritty game. Welcome to the Rangers organization Kane and Barch family.”
In the second round, Kitchener selected defensemen Alexander Forrest from the Oakville Rangers. The 5-foot 11 defenceman from Grimsby, Ontario, played 34 games with Oakville, recording 39 points (10 goals and 29 assists).
“It means a lot to get drafted to the Rangers. Kitchener is a high-class organization that is committed to getting players to the next level, feels like a 100-pound weight has been lifted off my shoulders, knowing my hard work has paid off,” Forrest said in a press release. “I’m looking forward to playing in the Aud and in front of a sold-out crowd almost every night. Also looking forward to meeting all the players and coaching staff of the Rangers organization.”
Defenceman Tommy Kut from the Don Mills Flyers in the Greater Toronto Hockey League was selected by the Rangers 44th overall in the third round. Kut, who stands at 6-foot 2, 215 pounds, had 14 points (six goals and eight assists) across 33 games with the Flyers this season. Kut was born and raised in Hong Kong before coming to Ontario.
“Tommy is a big and hard to play against defenseman that can move the puck,” McKenzie said. “He has good mobility for such a big player and makes good decisions with the puck. We look forward to seeing Tommy in a Ranger uniform and welcome him and his family to the Ranger organization.”
The draft will continue on Saturday morning with rounds 4-15 starting at 9 a.m.
