PITTSBURGH - The Bruins-Canadiens rivalry has become even more intense.

On Friday night, with the No. 24 overall pick, the Bruins drafted goalie Malcolm Subban, younger brother of hated Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban.

“The rivalry’s just about to begin,’’ Malcolm said with a smile. “I don’t know if he’s going to like me too much. To be honest, I never really liked him that much.’’

Malcolm Subban plays for Belleville of the Ontario Hockey League. In 39 games last season, he had a 2.50 goals-against average and .923 save percentage with three shutouts. Younger brother Jordan Subban also plays for Belleville.

Subban is considered an athletic and explosive goalie who needs seasoning with his technique. The 18-year-old will return to his junior team in 2012-13. Subban is expected to be among the OHL’s top goalies.

“Tremendous athlete,’’ Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said. “Incredible leg thrust post to post. He’s a real good kid, solid character. This draft is more long-term. Goalies take a little bit longer to develop. Happy to get him. We had him high. We’re happy to get him.’’

The 6-foot-1-inch, 195-pound Subban mentioned Henrik Lundqvist as the NHL goalie he most admires. Like his older brother, Subban started his career as a defenseman. Subban switched to goalie when he was 12 years old.

“I’d say he’s a hybrid,’’ Chiarelli said. “Very athletic. Probably technically, he needs a little bit of work. Very, very competitive. Searches for pucks in traffic. He’s big and strong. His lateral speed is tremendous.’’

Subban was the top-ranked North American goalie and the only puckstopper selected on Friday.

“My goal, from the start of the year, was to go in the first round,’’ Subban said. “Especially coming into the OHL, I never thought I’d come this far. My goal after last year was hopefully get into the first round.’’