Wayne Gretzky is now the property of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Gretzky was the third choice as the 13 members of the Ontario Hockey Association major junior “A” series drafted 230 midget-age players here Saturday.

Three other players from Brantford were also drafted.

Right winger Mark Wichrowski was drafted in the third round by Kingston Canadians. Defenceman Rick Rizzo went in the sixth round to Hamilton Fincups and Brian Wood was taken in the 10th round by Niagara Falls Flyers.

Gretzky and Wood played junior “B” with Seneca Nationals last season. Wichrowski and Rizzo were with Brantford Aragon Penguin junior “B” team.

Bic 16-year-old Gretzky was taken despite still having a year of midget eligibility.

Wayne left Brantford two years ago to join the Nationals* bantam team. However, when the Ontario Minor Hockey Association stepped in to void the transfer, he stepped up and joined the junior “B” squad. He was named rookie-of-the-year in the Metro Junior B” League.

Last season, Gretzky got off to a slow start because of illness. However, he had an excellent final half of the regular season and was a sensation in leading the Nationals to the semi-finals of the provincial playoffs.

Wood started last season with the Nationals in excellent form. However, he was hampered by injuries in the final half and throughout the playoffs. He's a right winger.

Wichrowski started last season with Brantford's midget team. However, he quit early in the season and joined the Penguins in hopes of attracting the eyes of the junior “A” scouts.

The rugged right winger possesses a powerful shot and is a hard worker along the boards.

Rizzo, who declined an opportunity to play tier D junior “A” in Hamilton last season, was selected the best defenceman in the South Western Ontario Junior “B” Hockey League.

Aside from having a powerful shot. Rizzo is an excellent playmaker and strong skater.

Oshawa Generals made 16-year-old Tom McCarthy the first pick of the draft.

The choice was not surprising. The Generals signed Bill White as their coach recently. White coached McCarthy with North York Rangers of the Provincial Junior “A” League last season.

Steve Peters was the second choice. He played as a minor midget with the Peterborough Petes last season.

Norm Stefan of Simcoe was taken in the second round by Sudbury Wolves. He played with Simcoe Jets' junior “B” team last season.