67’s Dave Cameron named CHL Coach of the Year
Ottawa 67’s Head Coach Dave Cameron has been named as the recipient of the 2023 Brian Kilrea Award, as Canadian Hockey League Coach of the Year.
“Dave’s energy, enthusiasm, and ability to teach the game were key factors in our team success this season. I cannot say enough about his dedication to our players and staff,” said 67’s General Manager James Boyd. “Dave taking home this award which is named after our very own Brian Kilrea, who remains an influential voice in our organization, makes this an extra special award for the 67’s.”
Cameron, 64, led the Barber Poles to a record-setting 2022-23 season, just his second with the team. The Charlottetown, PEI native guided Ottawa to a franchise-record 51 wins, and 107 points, earning the Hamilton Spectator Trophy as regular season champions, and surrendering a league-low 171 goals against. It was also a year of personal milestones for Cameron; earning his 400th OHL win, and coaching in his 800th OHL game, moving him into fourth among active coaches in both categories, en route to winning OHL Coach of the Year.
“Killer is a Hall-of-Famer, and you don’t have to go very far to figure out what a legend that guy is,” said Cameron. “From coaching against him, I know what kind of character he is, and now getting to know him on a personal basis, you just have that much more admiration for him and what he has done.”
“Killer probably cost himself NHL games with the role he played in creating the players’ union, but there’s no more ultimate team gesture you can make than to sacrifice your career, standing up for your teammates. For me to win an award, knowing that this is what he stands for, that’s an honour.”
This is the first time in Cameron’s 12-season CHL head coaching career that he has earned Coach of the Year honours. He becomes the third bench boss in 67’s history to take home the honour, following André Tourigny in 2019-20, and the eponymous Kilrea in 1996-97.
After Tourigny was hired by the Arizona Coyotes in 2021, Cameron returned to the nation’s capital to lead the 67’s, following a two-year stint with the Vienna Capitals. His first season, in 2021-22, saw the 67’s emerge as one of the league’s youngest teams, but still earn the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
Prior to joining the 67’s, Cameron enjoyed a storied OHL career as Head Coach of the Soo Greyhounds, and Toronto/Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors, respectively. He was also behind the bench of the Ottawa Senators from 2011 until 2016, serving as Head Coach for the final two years, and served as an Assistant with the Calgary Flames from 2016 until 2018.
On the international stage, Cameron coached the Canadian World Junior team to silver in 2011, and gold in 2022.
