The Northeast Generals are proud to announce a pair of draft picks made through the Inaugural NAHL Futures Draft on June 10.
The 2025 NAHL Futures Draft consists of two rounds of 2009-born prospects who will automatically be added to their team’s USA Hockey Affiliate Player List for the 2025-26 season. Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, the Generals were awarded the 6th overall pick.
“It’s exciting to have the first ever NAHL Future’s Draft and our staff has put a ton of time into this,” said Generals’ Head Coach and GM, Bryan Erikson. “I think it is important that we continue to focus on player development of all ages which leads to exciting opportunities to start scouting younger players, putting a more distinct flashlight on the 2009 birth year. With uncertainty with what the NCAA and CHL rules will do to affect all levels of junior hockey players, we think identifying players that can play in our league earlier gives us a great chance to introduce some incredibly talented young men into the Northeast Generals Family.”
With the 6th overall selection, the Generals selected 2009-born defenseman Cameron Holyoke from the Chicago Mission 15U AAA Program.
Holyoke, from Oak Park, IL, played in all 70 games for the Mission in his rookie season, leading the team in goals by a defenseman with 15, while his 39 points finishing third among blueliners.
“Cameron is a tremendous young man. I spent a lot of time with him and his father on the phone getting to know the family and Cam as a person. We connected right away. When you watch him play you immediately notice his elite hockey IQ. He has an active stick, a good frame, but most importantly he consistently makes those smart and simple plays which speaks to his IQ. He is going to push our roster tremendously this year. I am excited to see how quick Cam can adjust his game to the junior level.,” said Erikson.
The 6’1 170lbs defenseman was also drafted 86th overall by the USHL’s Madison Capitals and 200th overall by the OHL’s Moncton Wildcats.
In the second round, with the 41st overall pick, the Generals altered their attention to the forward group and selected Nole Donohue from Philadelphia, PA.
Donohue combined for 70 points (33g-37a) throughout 63 games during the 2024-25 season.
The 6’0, 165lbs centreman split most of his time last year between the Philadelphia HC 15U AAA Program picking up 34 points (15g-19a) in 30 games, and La Salle College High in the Pennsylvania High School system, accumulating another 28 points (13g-15a) in 22 games.
“Nole is a skilled and dynamic forward that gets better every time I see him play. A great young man that still has some exciting development in his game and a very high ceiling. In the meantime, we can’t wait to see Nole compete for a spot this year at camp. Exited to welcome Nole into our family. It’s exciting when you get to add great kids to our organization and we look forward to their contributions going forward.”
Following the conclusion of the NAHL Futures Draft, the Generals staff with now shift their focus to the NAHL Entry Draft on June 11, consisting of players born within the 2005-2009 birth years.
The Generals would like to welcome both Cameron and Nole to the Canton community and to the #GensFamily.