Four 67’s players selected in 2023 NHL Draft
It was a successful 2023 NHL Draft for the Ottawa 67’s, as four members of the team heard their name called at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Forward Brad Gardiner was the first to be selected, as the Dallas Stars traded up to the 79th pick in the third round to secure one of the sharpest dressed players at the draft.
Absolutely, the best suit jacket at the draft 👍 https://t.co/hFE5DHLluU
— Ottawa 67’s (@Ottawa67sHockey) June 29, 2023
Gardiner, 18, enjoyed a breakout year for the 67’s, this past season, appearing in all 68 regular season games, and 11 playoff games. A product of Aurora, Ontario, Gardiner scored 19 goals and 20 assists, for 39 points, and additional goal and three assists during the postseason.
Selected in the third round, 40th overall, by Ottawa in 2021 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, Gardiner suited up in 53 games during the 2022-23 campaign. He scored three goals and four assists for seven points, and dressed for two playoff games.
Next off the board was 67’s forward Luca Pinelli, taken in the fourth round, 114th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
TWINS
*Disclaimer: Andrew Strathmann and Luca Pinelli are not actual twins. pic.twitter.com/FuMewcUBuR
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) June 29, 2023
Pinelli, 18, suited up in 67 games for Ottawa during the 2022-23 season, setting career high’s across the board with 29 goals, 34 assists, and 63 points. The Stoney Creek, Ontario native was the 67’s leading scorer throughout the postseason, scoring seven goals and 11 assists, for 18 points in 11 games.
At the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, Pinelli suited up with Team White, scoring the game-winning goal.
Drafted in the second round, 28th overall, by the 67’s in the 2021 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, Pinelli debuted for the team that season. He appeared in 59 games, posting 14 goals and 22 assists, for 36 points, and finished tied for the team lead in playoff scoring, with four points in as many games.
67’s defenceman Matthew Mayich was selected in the sixth round, 170th overall, by the St. Louis Blues, which a Barber Poles alumnus who’s name many will recognize – Darren Pang – deemed a good move.
Can’t go wrong with an @Ottawa67sHockey prospect ! https://t.co/tcUpUzNRHZ
— Darren R Pang (@Panger40) June 29, 2023
Mayich, 18, set new career high’s in all statistical categories, during the 2022-23 season. The Stoney Creek, Ontario native dressed in 64 games, scoring five goals and 17 assists, for 22 points, with a +22 rating, establishing himself as a key piece on the 67’s back end. Mayich added four assists in 11 playoff games, as well.
Selected in the fourth round, 74th overall, by Ottawa in the 2020 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, Mayich made his OHL debut in 2021-22. He played in 60 games, posting three goals and eight assists, for 11 points, and dressed in all four postseason contests, adding in an assist.
67’s forward Cooper Foster quickly followed Mayich off the board, selected in the sixth round, 174th overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Coop's ready to march with the Penguins 🐧@penguins | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/N5FdPZDSjD
— Ottawa 67’s (@Ottawa67sHockey) June 29, 2023
Foster, 18, became a full-time member of the 67’s in 2022-23, after appearing in 14 games the year prior. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native skated in 63 games, scoring 19 goals and 17 assists, for 36 points, finishing tenth in scoring among Ontario Hockey League rookies.
Drafted in the second round, 32nd overall, by Ottawa in the 2021 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, Foster spent last season with the Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL). He quickly made a name for himself; earning league MVP honours as a rookie, as well as being named Best Overall Team Player, and a First Team All-Star, leading his team to a championship victory.
