Since their inception into the Ontario Hockey League in 1972, the Soo Greyhounds have become one of the top producers of professional hockey players in the world. During that time the club has seen 115 players become drafted, and have a shot at "living the dream" in the National Hockey League.
Of that, 75 have went on to play at least one game in the NHL (a success rate of 65%).
A few Greyhounds who have gone on to such careers include Tyler Kennedy, Dustin Jeffrey, Wayne Simmonds, Brad Staubitz, Ray Emery, Jeff Carter, Josef Vasick, Steve Sullivan, Bob Probert, Ron Francis, Trevor Daley, Craig Hartsburg, John Vanbiesbrouk, Rick Tocchet, Denny Lambert, Nathan Perrott, Adam Foote, Paul Coffey, Dan Clouthier, Ric Jackman, Ted Nolan, Greg Millen, Jeff Beukeboom, Bob Boughner and Joe Thornton.
In recent years Andrew Campbell, a former 15th round pick by the Hounds was selected in the third round of the NHL Priority Selection by the Los Angeles Kings and continues to climb the depth chart working through the Manchester Monarch’s of the AHL.
While just last year team captain, Jacob Muzzin (originally selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins) would later sign as a free agent with L.A. as well.
Heading into this summer’s NHL Entry Draft five players on the Hounds roster have been rated by NHL Central Scouting; Daniel Catenacci, Nick Cousins, David Broll, Ryan Sproul and Colin Miller.
The Greyhounds have also produced a plethora of players who have gone on to play pro hockey in the various minor pro leagues across North America as well as the elite leagues in Europe.
In addition to producing professional hockey players the Soo Greyhounds organization prides itself on developing good men. With the aid of scholarships from the hockey club, many former players have gone on to professional careers including those who serve as crown attorneys, lawyers and physicians. The most recent success story includes that of former goaltender Jake McCracken. A 2nd-round pick of the Greyhounds, McCracken would go on to play three seasons for the Hounds before being drafted in the third round (84th overall) by the Detroit Red Wings in 1998. A training camp injury would force the Melborne, Ontario native (near London) to pursue a professional career as a pharmacist. He would later graduate in that field, return to Sault Ste. Marie to begin his life after hockey.
