67’s host Storm in 2019 J. Ross Robertson Cup rematch
On Friday night, the Ottawa 67’s (4-6-1-1) will welcome the Guelph Storm (3-8-0-1) to The Arena at TD Place for their first showdown of the 2024-25 season. You can pick up your tickets here. Alternatively, fans can follow along on Rogers TV or on CHLTV.
For those in attendance, you can find everything you need to know about your evening at TD Place here.
For the radio audience, please be advised that Kenny Walls’ call has been relocated to online only for the night.
The 67’s come into the meeting fresh off a win after snapping their seven-game losing streak on Sunday in Sudbury. Captain Luca Pinelli registered a hat trick in the win, reclaiming the team lead in both goals and points. Nic Whitehead, Josh Brady, and Will Gerrior also tallied markers in that game, with Whitehead and Brady picking up their first goals of the season.
In goal, Collin MacKenzie had a big night, stopping 42 shots, while the 67’s penalty kill looked much better, killing off four of the five opportunities.
The Storm have taken some big losses recently, dropping a 10-1 decision to the Brampton Steelheads, a 6-1 game to the Barrie Colts, and a 7-2 contest to the Flint Firebirds in each of their last three. Despite that, they’ve celebrated some big news in the past few days, getting both Jett Luchenko back from the Philadelphia Flyers, and overage defenceman Tommy Budnick after being sent back from a professional try-out with the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings.
Guelph won’t be able to dress Ryan McGuire on Friday night, after he was suspended for seven games.
With the Under-17 World Challenge in swing in Sarnia, the 67’s will be without rookie defenceman Kohyn Eshkawkogan, while the Storm will be without the services of Colin Ellsworth and Alex McLean, all of whom will be representing Team Canada Red.
It’s the first meeting of the season between the 67’s and Storm. A year ago, both teams won a game each, with the home side claiming both games.
What they’re saying
Norm Milley, Assistant Coach, on the importance of the next few weeks: “We’re in the battle for the playoffs. Every game counts for us. We have to take every game as if it’s our last. The next 10 games could be the difference between making or missing the playoffs, you never know. We’re in a position where every game – every point – counts for us.”
Zach Houben, forward, on the reset on Manitoulin Island: “We had a good time on Manitoulin Island, and I think that was a good reset for us. I think we’re on the right track now. We’re in the right mentality, we’re playing as a group, and I’m excited for the future.”
By the numbers
| Ottawa 67’s | Player | Total | Guelph Storm | Player | Total |
| Goals | Luca Pinelli | 10 | Goals | Jake Karabela | 4 |
| Assists | Henry Mews | 11 | Assists | Cam Allen | 7 |
| Points | Luca Pinelli | 13 | Points | Cam Allen | 8 |
| Powerplay goals | Luca Pinelli | 5 | Powerplay goals | Jake Karabela | 2 |
| +/- | Jack Dever | +5 | +/- | William Haley | +2 |
Keys to the game
- Build momentum
Uncle Mo is a big thing. Now that they’ve got that elusive win out of the way, it’s time to build on it.
- Keep plugging away
The penalty kill has been looking better, but there’s still more to find.
- Take care
The 67’s need to be attentive to their own zone, and take care of the front of the net with extra caution.
