Yahoo Sports North Bay Sign 2024 First-Round Pick Ryder Cali
North Bay announced the signing of 2024 first-round pick Ryder Cali to an education and development agreement earlier today.
"We're pleased to officially welcome Ryder and his family to the North Bay Battalion," said president and director of hockey operations Adam Dennis.
The Soo Greyhounds drafted Cali with the eighteenth overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. However, Cali decided not to join the Soo because he was interested in maintaining his eligibility for the NCAA.
Instead, he started the season with the Milton Menace in the OJHL. As a member of the Menace, Cali tallied 33 points in 29 games which placed him fifth in rookie scoring. He is the only 2008-born player in the top 10 rookie scorers so far this season.
North Bay GM Dan Del Monte acquired Cali's rights from Sault Ste. Marie in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick and a handful of conditional picks.
Related: North Bay Acquires the OHL Rights to Ryder Cali
The change in Cali's attitude towards the OHL comes in part due to the change in the NCAA regulations surrounding CHL players.
"Since the day John made the trade with Soo, we decided it was in everyone's best interests to allow Ryder space to develop in his first year with Milton and leave OHL discussions to the side," said Dennis. "With recent developments to NCAA eligibility, this conversation became a hot topic for everyone involved in junior hockey."
MENACE PROSPECT ALL ⭐️’
Congratulations Menace PROSPECT All Star Ryder Cali who will be representing us at the Battle of Ontario Prospect game Nov 19-20 in Smith Falls Ontario!
16 year old Cali has 27 points in 22 GP including 12 goals and 15 assists during this years campaign… pic.twitter.com/vyzm2aeqSh— Milton Menace (@MenaceOJHL) November 15, 2024
Cali should be expected to remain with Milton this season and act as an affiliate for North Bay. If all goes well this season he should be expected to play full time with the Battalion next year.
"We look forward to having him [Ryder] get his feet wet with our club this season on an affiliate basis before he moves over full-time next season," said Dennis.
This development makes the trade with the Soo earlier this season an absolute victory for North Bay. In exchange for a handful of later-round picks, they acquire a first-round pick who has proven to be a scorer in the OJHL.
While it remains to be seen exactly what Cali will be in the OHL, he will undoubtedly have a large role to play in the future with North Bay.
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