CCHL Draft Underway from Fergus!

 Starting at 6:00AM on Sunday, June 8, 2025, the CCHL will hold its annual Entry Draft in the picturesque town of Fergus, Ontario. Known for its rich Scottish heritage and the renowned Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games, the town provided a fitting backdrop for a day that blended athletic prowess with cultural celebration.

 

While the clock won’t officially start until 6:00AM Saturday June 14^th to enforce time limits on picks, the league will kick things off on Sunday June 8th to get a head start on things.  

 

The event will kick off with a special performance by pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter. After the Commissioner welcomes attendees and initiates the draft proceedings, Carpenter will take the stage to sing her hit song "Espresso," followed by renditions of both the Canadian and U.S. national anthems. Her performance added a touch of glamour and excitement to the draft, captivating the audience and setting a celebratory tone for the evening. Immediately following her performance, she will be joined by the Highland Dancers who will perform with her on stage.  

 

Yes, you’ve read that correctly – the CCHL has secured both pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter and the Highland Dancers for this year’s Entry Draft extravaganza.  

 

The draft features several notable selections and rumors that have fans buzzing.

• Matthew Schaefer: The highly anticipated defenseman from the Erie Otters was rumored to be taken by the Val-d'Or Nuggets. Known for his elite skating, offensive prowess, and defensive reliability, Schaefer is considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 draft class. 
• James Hagens: The talented forward expressed a strong desire to join Team USA's Capeside Loons as the third overall pick. However, the Fort Erie Falcons, holding the second overall pick, had the potential to disrupt those plans by selecting Hagens, adding an element of suspense to the draft proceedings.
• Porter Martone:  Where will Martone end up?  With Fort Erie also having the fourth overall pick, could he end up there or will Capeside strike back should Fort Erie select James Hagens with the second overall pick? 

 

 

Following the draft festivities, the players will be escorted to the Elora Gorge where they will pose with sticks while wearing their new CCHL team jerseys and hats.  It’ll be the first time the CCHL will conduct outdoor draft photos and allows the league to see the tremendous beauty that is both Fergus and Elora.