Leafs’ prospect named Oshawa Generals captain

It’s been quite a year for Ben Danford.

The talented defenceman helped lead the Oshawa Generals to the OHL championship final against the London Knights in the spring and then in late June was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round (31 overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft.

On Wednesday (Oct. 2), the Generals’ 14 overall pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection was named the 72nd captain in Oshawa history.

Oakville native Calum Ritchie, Luke Torrance, Matthew Buckley, and Luca Marrelli were named assistant captains to fill out the leadership team.

Danford is entering his third season in Oshawa, recording 54 points in 127 games.

Ritchie, a Colorado Avalanche prospect, scored a career-high 80 points last year and led the team in total playoff points with 30.

Torrance, an Oshawa native, has suited up for 147 career OHL games and has 76 OHL points.

Buckley has 83 points in 173 OHL games and currently leads the team in scoring with five points in three games.

Marrelli recently recorded his 100th point and was drafted 86 overall earlier this year by the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets.