Meaford native Jake Murray was selected 12th overall by the Erie Otters in the recent OHL priority selection draft held on April 11.
The Otters selected the 16-year-old centre based on his performance with the Huron-Perth Lakers U16 Alliance AAA team. Murray scored 14 goals and had 25 assists over 39 games this past season, along with eight goals and six assists over ten playoff games.
Murray started playing local hockey with the Georgian Shores Lightening. It was realized very quickly that he had great skills and abilities and was chosen to play AAA hockey with the Grey Bruce Highlanders. Murray then made a major commitment and move to Grand Bend to play with the Huron Perth Lakers AAA in the Alliance league. He was captain of his team as he displayed great leadership skills and led by example on the ice.
One of Murray’s many highlights was the scoring the overtime goal in the AAA U16 International Silverstick to win the championship.
“Jake is a big, strong, powerful centreman. He is a leader and plays with a ton of passion. Jake drives the net hard and thrives in the dirty areas. Jake is hard to play against and wears his heart on his sleeve. We are thrilled to welcome Jake and the Murray family to Erie and look forward to seeing him in an Otters uniform,” said Scott Grieve, Erie Otters Director of Hockey Operations, of the selection.
Like most young hockey players, the support of family is crucial, and Murray has had great support from his parents Grant and Jamie, sister Heidi, and his proud grandparents.
