Hockey Canada granted forward Michael Misa exceptional player status, making the 15-year-old eligible to be selected in the Ontario Hockey League's draft in 2022.

Misa is just the sixth player in OHL history to receive the distinction, joining John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid, Sean Day, and Shane Wright.

"It's a huge honor to be counted among names like Connor McDavid and John Tavares to have received exceptional status from Hockey Canada," Misa said. "I try not to compare myself to those superstars and just focus on being the best I can be and improve my game every day."

Misa scored 16 goals and 27 assists in 27 regular-season contests while playing for the Mississauga Senators U16 AAA team this campaign. He went on to shine during the OHL Cup, logging 20 points in seven games to break the tournament's scoring record previously held by McDavid. Misa was also named the OHL Cup MVP.

Tavares, Ekblad, and McDavid were all chosen first overall in the OHL draft and later went first overall in the NHL. Misa is eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft.

The exceptional-player rule was established in 2005 and allows players to apply for early entry into the Canadian Hockey League, which includes the OHL, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Connor Bedard is the only player in the WHL to receive the distinction. Joe Veleno is the sole QMJHL athlete to be granted exceptional status.

The 2022 OHL Priority Selection takes place on April 29.

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