Max Lappan, a 6‑foot‑1, 224‑pound defenseman who refined his game with Detroit HoneyBaked, entered the 2026 Ontario Hockey League Draft as one of the most anticipated prospects from the Midwest. In 77 games for the HoneyBaked U15 squad he recorded 22 goals and 93 assists, showcasing a blend of size, skill and hockey sense that caught the eye of scouts across the league.
The Niagara IceDogs secured the ninth overall pick, rewarding Lappan’s two‑way ability and high hockey IQ. Scouting director Sean Lafortune praised the youngster, calling him “incredibly smart and effective at both ends of the ice,” and noting his knack for quick transitions and offensive contributions.
A Surge of Michigan Talent
The draft also featured Ryerson Edgar, a University of Michigan commit who had been selected tenth overall in the previous year’s draft and earned a spot on the OHL’s second all‑rookie team. Joining him, Aiden Kelly from Oakland Township was chosen with the 20th and final pick of the first round by the Brantford Bulldogs, having posted 14 goals and 21 assists in 20 games with the Little Caesars U15 team.
Local observers noted that the 21 Michigan‑born players drafted marked the strongest presence from the state in the OHL draft in six years, a trend that reflects the growing depth of talent emerging from Michigan’s youth hockey programs.
Lappan said he is eager to bring his defensive reliability to Niagara while also aiming to increase his goal production, a goal that aligns with the team’s offensive strategy. He will join a roster that includes other Michigan products, signaling a new chapter for the state’s prospects in the league.