I think your list makes it abundantly clear, with 16 OA Goalies listed, the OHL needs to address that issue and consider not counting them as the OA group that plays on the ice. Unless a team has no other options for OA, I find it extremely unlikely to keep a goalie who won't suit up for every single game when you have that with on ice players.
It is a long overdue change and might help them out that much more in their progression.
I agree. I think 17 year old goalies typically don’t show very well historically. Some do of course but mostly it takes until the 18 or 19 year old season before they can even get a real opportunity.
I look in Ottawa this season as a prime example. Will Cranley missed last season as an 18 year old where he was likely going to take on the starters role assuming Cedric Andree was not returning as an OA. BUT, had Andree returned for an OA season, Cranley would have been a backup again and not had an opportunity until his 19 year old season.
Regardless, Max Donoso came in this year as an 18 year old backup. Cranley performed poorly so he got more fo an opportunity but had things gone as planned, Donoso would have only gotten his 19 year old season to prove himself.
MacKenzie started the season as the backup until an injury (hence Donoso coming in) and he would be 3rd in line Behind two other guys.
Point being, that if it was recognized that goalies NEED the extra season of development in Junior prior to turning pro (at least for the vast majority anyway), then they would have a safe place to play to continue developing at a pace that makes much more sense for that position. The numbers game wouldn’t come into play. Also, goalies behind them wouldn’t feel the pinch of having to be a starter at 18 to ensure they get their two solid seasons in as a starter. It would be recognized that they’d have that extra season so no rush to push into a role they aren’t fully prepared for.
I like this option for the goalies. It takes a lot of pressure off them to develop at the same place as the skaters. It gives not only teams more time to bring them along but also the NHL teams get that extra year to evaluate Prior to being handcuffed into placing them on a pro roster at 20 instead of 21.
