The first step to the next level has begun for Cameron Smith and Sean Mateer.
Both players, who suited up for the Markham Waxers minor midget triple-A squad last season, have been selected by Ontario Hockey League clubs after the OHL Priority Selection Draft, on April 6.
Smith, a 6-foot-1 goaltender, was the first player to go, being taken in the fifth round by the London Knights. The Stouffville native, who had performed well at the OHL Combine a week prior to the draft, was the third goaltender selected by any club. He’ll join a Knights team that finished first in the Western Conference this past season.
Meanwhile, Waxers teammate Mateer was nabbed by the Mississauga Steelheads in the 13th round. The Markham product, a talented centre, put up 11 goals and eight assists in 27 games for the Waxers last season.
Both are expected to attend their respective teams’ development camps later this spring.