67’s ready for first preseason game
Can you believe it’s game day?
On Tuesday, the Ottawa 67’s officially declared the offseason over, as Training Camp Presented by TD got underway. Through fitness testing, scrimmages, and the annual three-on-three tournament, the returning players fought to show their year-to-year gains, while the new faces battled to earn a spot on the bus this weekend.
Team Red captured the opening scrimmage game, but the next day, Team Black came all the way back to earn the series win, with Zach Houben, Frankie Marrelli, and Hayden Duncan playing large roles in the win. That followed Team Blue earning the Pat Higgins Trophy, winning the three-on-three tournament.
The results are good only for bragging rights, but the process to get there was invaluable for the coaching staff, and members of the front office, as they evaluated. The competition was fierce, and nothing came easy, something that left Assistant Coach Norm Milley happy.
“I loved the way our older guys led with their compete level,” he said. “They set the standard. When the young guys come in and they see the veterans battling, they have no choice but to follow suit. They did a great job at leading the charge.”
With the 67’s, that level of competition has become a signature aspect in practice, and while everyone is off to a good start, there’s still plenty of work to be done.
“It’s easy to do it for one of two days, but it’s really hard to do it all year,” Milley said. “We need a committee, and our guys have done a good job with that.”
It’s not something that can be achieved through just showing up and playing up to your capabilities, it extends back into the work you have done in the offseason. It didn’t take long to see those steps forward, as many players saw gains in their fitness testing immediately.
Many players stepped on the ice looking bigger and stronger, others more explosive, and some shooting the puck harder and more accurately. Milley says that everyone put in the work over the summer, and did what the coaching staff asked of them.
“These guys are committed, and it goes to show the terrific work our scouts have put in, not just with drafting the best player, but picking a guy who will fit in here,” Milley said. “For each individual, it’s about how much you want it. How much will you push in the summertime to get to the NHL – your ultimate dream? If you want it, you’ll do it, but if you don’t, we’ll see it.”
Even with all of the positive stories coming out of camp, it was an uphill battle for some of the young players. It’s the first time – for many of them – they are competing against OHL-level talent, and can come as a shock.
“You’re skating with NHL draft picks, and it shows how good you have to be if you want to move up from here,” said Charlie Hilton, the 67’s 14th-round draft choice in 2022. “Some of the stuff they do is crazy.”
With time, that comfort level will come. In the locker room, the veteran players fostered a welcoming environment with the young players, giving them a ride when they needed it, or offering advice on how to be a successful OHL player.
“It feels awesome,” Whitehead said. “They are great guys, and I’m just happy to be here. I’m having fun, the boys have welcomed me to the team really well.”
With Training Camp in the rearview, the next step is boarding the bus for Sunday afternoon’s meeting with the Kingston Frontenacs.
“It’s not so much system and structure, we want to see the guys battling, and being good teammates,” Milley said. “We want to see the small things, blocking shots, good sticks on pucks.”
Puck drop from the Leon’s Centre comes at 2 p.m.
