Barrie Colts defenceman Brandt Clarke is heading to Hollywood.
The six-foot-two, 185-pound blue-liner was selected eighth overall by the Los Angeles Kings in tonight's 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Clarke was the fourth defenceman taken in Friday night's amateur draft behind Owen Power, who went first overall to the Buffalo Sabres, Luke Hughes who went fourth overall to the New Jersey Devils, and Simon Edvinsson who was taken sixth overall by the Detroit Red Wings.
According to NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, which were released in May, Clarke was ranked No. 7 among North American skaters. Only one OHL player, Peterborough's Mason McTavish, was ranked higher at No. 2. McTavish was drafted third overall by the Anaheim Ducks.
With last year's OHL season cancelled due to the pandemic, 18-year-old Clarke played with Nove Zamky Mikron HC in the Slovakian men's league, scoring six goals and had seven assists in 26 games.
During his rookie year in the 2019-20 OHL season, Clarke, an offensive defenceman and power-play quarterback, had six goals and 32 assists for 38 points in 57 games, as well as 38 penalty minutes and a minus-6 rating.
A native of Nepean, Ont., Clarke was also recently invited to Hockey Canada's national junior team summer development camp, which begins later this month in Alberta. The camp will take place July 28 to Aug. 4 at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on the Tsuut'ina Nation near Calgary.
The NHL draft continues Saturday with rounds two through seven, at which time other Colts players could hear their names called.
Barrie Colts forward Jacob Frasca is ranked 120th overall among North American skaters, followed by defenceman Connor Punnett at No. 148, and forward Ethan Cardwell at No. 159.
Barrie Colts At The Draft
All-time players selected: 45 (since 1996)
Most picks in single NHL Entry Draft: 6 (1999)
Top Selection: Aaron Ekblad (1st overall, 2014)
