Today the OHL will hold it's first ever draft lottery. It's not something that is uncommon in sports, especially hockey. The NHL has tried various weighted draft lotteries to try and avoid teams tanking. For the OHL it was the best way to determine the draft order given that there was not a season this year. First of all it will be interesting to see if this is a format that sticks in some way, shape or form. Second of all, it will be interesting to see how the OHL chooses to present the draft lottery because draft lotteries don't really provide compelling TV unless you count team representatives sitting uncomfortably on a stage waiting to see where their team will draft. I'm guessing the people chosen for this are the people who are being punished for something.

So, lets have some fun. If a draft lottery is going to be at thing, even if it is just a one off. A couple of teams are providing coverage of this tonight, so lets give them something to cover. In the spirit of the old David Letterman Top 10's here are 10 ways the OHL can liven up their draft lottery.

THERE WILL BE NO TOM WILSON COMMENTS OR JOKES MADE FOR THIS BLOG, THOUGH NOT FOR LACK OF TRYING!

10. David Branch in a glittery suit like the guy from the Price is Right. You know you want to see it.

9. For a gag have all the balls have the London Knights logo so London gets every single pick in the first round.

8. All team representatives get WWE them music. We all want to see owners/GM's/Coaches/Players whomever gets the short straw to walk out to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7oMBq1vkCM

7. Instead of Mike McKenzie, Kitchener GM representing team we get a margarita swilling, Tommy Bahama shirt wearing Bob McKenzie. Ratings gold baby!

6. IceDogs have to put an act together to get their 1st round draft pick back. If they get gonged, or get a strike like on X Factor, no draft pick.

5. Mandatory confrontations like these for teams that don't get the spot they covet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUVl7qqmaAY (Go to 4:27 to see Pat Burns try to get to Barry Melrose)

4. "Ladies and gentlemen, your host is the always charming, ever smiling Dale Hunter!"

3. Team that draws worst lottery ball number gets last pick AND has to wear Cooperalls for the whole year. We all want the Gennies to rock these bad boys all year long don't we? Plus, Cooperalls are suitable for most social situations.

2. No one gets to scout the players. They're all randomly ranked and selected. Oh, wait that's already going to happen? Really? Screw you! Damn pandemic ruins everything!!!

AND NUMBER ONE

1. Mascot Royal Rumble. Nothing else really needs to be said.

Enjoy the Draft Lottery Everyone!

Steve Clark

Steve has called IceDog games on TV since their inception in 2007.