Full-time duty a relief for 67’s Frankie Marrelli
The start of the 2022-23 season hasn’t been exactly what Frankie Marrelli may have drawn up for his first OHL campaign, but when the Ottawa 67’s have needed him the most, he has been there to chip in.
Taken with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Marrelli became the second defenceman drafted by the Barber Poles, after they selected Henry Mews seventh overall. It all added up to a loaded defensive unit, making playing time hard to come by for Marrelli, who was in need of an alternative option to start the season.
Marrelli spent a handful of games in the Central Canada Hockey League with the Ottawa Jr. Senators, and another game with the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Casselman Vikings. With the Jr. Senators, Marrelli scored two goals, adding an assist, on the CCHL’s top team.
All the while, the Markham native continued working closely with the Barber Poles, practicing with the team every day, learning from the coaching staff, and the veteran players. Although no player hopes to be the odd man out on any team, the experience was an overall positive for Marrelli, who says that it was key for his development.
“I’m really happy that it happened, looking back at it,” Marrelli said. “Getting the reps in and playing big minutes was crucial for me. It gave me the chance to find my game, so that I would be ready for the OHL.”
Marrelli says that working with Jack Matier on a daily basis was important for his development. He was routinely asking the veteran defenceman questions, while learning what he could during practice, and paying close attention to what he was doing during games. Playing a big role with the Jr. Senators, he was able to put what he had taken from Matier into practice.
Being around so many different players and coaches provided Marrelli with different insights and opinions, and he used that to his advantage. He leaned on his coaches and teammates with the Jr. Senators just as much as he did with the 67’s, and looked to soak up everything he possibly could.
But that doesn’t mean that it was always easy for the youngster. Having never before been cut by a team, it was initially difficult to wrap his head around.
“I had to understand why it was happening, and I had to take the positives from it,” Marrelli said. “Being sent down was new, but it gave me the extra drive to be the best player I can be.”
The work Marrelli put in was more than what could be measured on the ice. He was in the gym every day with Sean Young, the 67’s Strength and Conditioning Coach, and he stuck to a strict diet, working tirelessly to get himself into better shape.
“I got on a stricter, and healthier, diet,” Marrelli said. “It got me feeling better overall. I was also working in the gym every day. Any aspect I find, or the staff find that needs improvement, we get to work on it right away.”
Satisfied with the development, and only weeks after his stint with Hockey Canada at the U17s, the 67’s decided the time was right for Marrelli to join the team full-time. A sense of relief washed over the 5-foot-11 defenceman, as did a feeling of fulfillment. Although possibly apprehensive at first, Marrelli has good memories of the battle to become a full-time OHLer.
“Being full-time is a relief,” Marrelli said. “OJS has a great group, so I’m missing them sometimes, but being here is awesome.”
Relief turned quickly to focus, however. Between suspensions, injuries, and players leaving for the World Juniors, there was little time for Marrelli to celebrate. The 67’s needed to get creative with their lineup, frequently dressing seven defencemen, and Marrelli needed to play a bigger role.
The challenge is about to mount once again. The aforementioned Matier is off for the Canadian World Junior selection camp, and has left a hole in the defence. Marrelli knows his job isn’t to be Matier, but it’s a good chance for him to step up and help carry the load.
“The space is open for guys to step up, myself included” Marrelli acknowledged. “I’m just trying to play my game, and keep things simple. I’m playing defence first, and trying to play a tough, hard game.”
It hasn’t been perfection, but Marrelli says that he is thrilled with his time in Ottawa so far, and the whole experience helped him have an optimistic outlook.
“That’s why I’m in Ottawa,” Marrelli said. “It’s about developing and getting better.”
Marrelli and the 67’s close out their tough road trip against the Guelph Storm on Sunday afternoon, coming off a well-earned point against the London knights. They return home next weekend, taking on the Oshawa Generals, before the Teddy Bear Toss game on Saturday, against the Hamilton Bulldogs.
