Parker Forlin turns 16 and becomes eligible to obtain a G1 driver’s licence on April 23, just six days before potentially being selected in the 2022 Ontario Hockey League draft.
 
A member of the Niagara North Stars in the SCTA, Forlin recorded 24 goals in 23 games played and tallied 42 points this season.  
 
He is a mature individual for his age and is calm, cool and collected about the upcoming draft. 

“Leading up to draft day, you just got to play your game and be noticeable every shift,” he says. “If you can just be patient, be calm and human, once you hear your name called it can be exciting.”
 
The young forward expresses a great deal of gratitude for the impact head coach Ryan Berard has had on him this season. 
 
“He's always told me to play with more speed. I think trying to use all my speed, every shift, when going down the ice, I think that's going to help me translate,” says Forlin. “Getting into the soft spots, which I think I've been very good at this year. Better than I was two years ago.”

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Berard is a former OHL player for the Belleville Bulls, Saginaw Spirit, Sarnia Sting and Barrie Colts. He is currently a player development co-ordinator for the Erie Otters as well. 
 
Forlin scored 10 goals in five games with 18 points through the playoffs as the North Stars placed first in Group A. His impressive season performance has warranted an invite to participate in the OHL Development Combine, set to take place April 23-24. 
 
Forlin has a goal scoring touch and is elusive with the puck on his stick. He tries to replicate the game of two Tampa Bay Lightning forwards that he idolized growing up. 

Initially, “it was Steven Stamkos, I felt like my shot was my best attribute coming into this year,” says Forlin. “I've switched it to Brayden Point now, just a smaller player and I like how he plays, similar mind, he's not going to blow you away with the speed but he can slow down the play, and make them when needed.”
 
Parents Dennis and Robin have been an integral part of their son’s success, despite not having any direct experience with the sport. Forlin is the family’s first hockey player.
 
Dennis credits his son’s work ethic and determination for that. The drive to improve and commitment to compete in every aspect of the game has been why he and Robin lined up behind Parker’s pursuit of the game.

“When he was seven there were some parents that would get the ice for the kids at six o'clock in the morning. I never told him about it, because I never thought he would be interested, but he found out about it and wanted to go,” recalls Dennis. “Kid’s got to get up at 5:15 for the six o'clock skate, guy is seven years old, is he going to want to do this? But he got up by himself and he went, and I said, well shoot man! This kid must really love this.”
 
The North Stars forward’s next step is to compete in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association championships, another opportunity to impress Ontario Hockey League scouts and showcase his talent before jumping to the next level.