It’s a defenceman in Round 1 for the Attack.
Maxwell Fransen was picked by the Owen Sound Attack in the first round, eighth overall, during the 2026 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Friday evening at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston.
Fransen, 16, is a left-shot defenceman who played for the Upper Canada College Blues U16 team. He had seven points (2-5–7) in six games at the 2026 OHL Cup — and 89 points (29-60–89) in 69 games for the Blues throughout his 2025-26 season.
“I just think the way Max processes the game at his age is at a very elite level,” says Attack President and General Manager Tyler Nother in an interview. “We’ve seen him play. We’ve seen all the defence play in this class. And when we look at our needs for the Owen Sound Attack going forward, Max is going to be a massive part of that.”
“We wanted a proven leader. Someone who is relied on in all situations and his coaches trust,” Nother continues. “Max Fransen was captain of Upper Canada College Blues, logged big minutes. He’s an unbelieveable defenceman. We’re super excited to get Max and can’t wait for the fans to see him play in Owen Sound.”
The 6-foot, 185-pound Fransen is the first OHL Priority Selection pick made by the new Attack president and GM Nother, after an offseason of change that’s brought new ownership, and the dismissal of longtime GM Dale DeGray and two coaches.
It’s also the first time the Attack have selected a defenceman with first-round pick in OHL Priority Selection since 2018, when Nolan Seed was taken 15th overall.
OWEN SOUND TIE
Maxwell Fransen is the son of Aaron Fransen, who spent part of his OHL playing career with the Owen Sound Platers. Aaron appeared in 32 games for the Platers during the 1998-99 season, putting up 36 points (9-27–36).
ON THE CLOCK
Round 1 of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection was held exclusively Friday night. Twenty players heard their names called.
The Attack are on the clock when the draft resumes at 9 a.m. Saturday. Owen Sound will make the first selection of the second round, 21st, with a draft choice acquired in the Colby Barlow trade with the Oshawa Generals early in the 2024-25 OHL season.