Tavares eligible for OHL draft

Sorry, United States Hockey League fans. John Tavares will not be coming to an arena near you.

The Ontario Hockey League on Wednesday granted the standout 14-year-old's request for exceptional player status, meaning the Toronto Marlie minor midget will enter Saturday's Priority Selection.

In March, the OHL's board of governors nixed the idea of drafting 14-year-olds, not even bothering to vote on the issue during a conference call. The league normally doesn't give permission for teams to choose players under 15.

Six years ago, Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza, then 15, was given permission to play for the Brampton Battalion under an OHL provision that stipulated an under-aged draftee had to play in his home town. Such a restriction won't apply to Tavares.

Over the past six weeks, an OHL panel interviewed Tavares, his mother, Marlies coach James Naylor and sports psychologist Paul Dennis before issuing its ruling.

In the end, the panel concluded Tavares was an exceptional player "who possesses the maturity and strength to play in the Ontario Hockey League for the 2005-2006 season."

Tavares turns 15 on Sept. 27, a few weeks into the OHL campaign.

The panel included Kevin Burkett, a labour arbitrator and mediator and longtime hockey coach, director of NHL Central Scouting Frank Bonello and retired National Hockey League forward Doug Gilmour.

International Scouting Services projects the Oshawa Generals will take Tavares No. 1 overall this weekend. The next three picks belong to the Sarnia Sting, Saginaw Spirit and Kingston Frontenacs.

Tavares is deemed by ISS as the most impressive prospect for pro success since Sidney Crosby, who tore up the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season with the Rimouski Oceanic.

Crosby is the consensus top pick when the NHL conducts its next Entry Draft.

with files from Canadian Press