Jonathan Morello of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s St. Michael’s Buzzers was selected by the Boston Bruins in the 2024 NHL Draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas Saturday afternoon.
The Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Hudl InStat Top Prospect for 2023-24 was picked in the 5th round, 154th overall.
The Hudl InStat Top Prospect award, presented in conjunction with National Hockey League Central Scouting, is given annually to the highest-ranked OJHL player for the NHL Draft.
Committed to NCAA Division I Clarkson for 2025, Morello tallied 57 points (25 goals/32 assists) in 50 games. Seven of his goals were game-winners. The 6-foot-2 forward was named to the OJHL’s First Prospect Team for 2023-24.
“Jonathan had a great playoff and demonstrated that his upside curve is in motion,” St. Michael’s Head Coach and General Manager Rich Ricci told the OJHL. “He has the size and speed of a pro already. His development offensively is key for his progression. Time is on his side to round out as a complete player. His faceoffs are elite and his defensive zone reads are good.”
“Johnathan is driven to be a pro and time bodes well with several development years ahead. I believe his playoff performance enhanced his draft status for sure.”
Throughout the season, the 17-year-old – he’ll turn 18 July 31 – was in touch with 16 NHL teams via Zoom, in-person interviews or questionnaires.
“At the beginning of the season, it was definitely a goal of mine to be ranked and to be drafted, as well,” Morello told the OJHL ahead of the draft. “I tried throughout the year to not focus too much on it. Just play my game. I just wanted to win.”
Morello was a member of Team Canada East that won silver at the World Junior A Challenge in December.
“That was an amazing experience,” he said. “Being selected to the team and being able to wear the maple leaf was one of the happiest moments I’ve had. I never thought I’d be able to do something like that.”
Morello signed with the Buzzers from the Toronto Red Wings U16 squad in the GTHL.
“Coming out of minor midget I wasn’t sure what my path would be,” Morello said, “whether it was the OHL or the college route. I know Rich and Vic (Criscuolo, the Buzzers Assistant Coach/GM) gave me a great opportunity. They really helped me develop and grow as a player. I wasn’t sure where I’d be in the lineup but by the end of the first year I was on the first line, which was great. They really changed the path of my career.”
A perennial honour roll student since entering St. Michael’s College School in Grade 7, Morello had an average of over 90 per cent in three of his first four years at the school.
