67’s prepare for next chapter
The Ottawa 67’s have turned the final page on the 2024-25 season, a campaign which Head Coach Dave Cameron called “disappointing.”
Finishing with a 24-34-4-6 record and in 17th in the league standings, the Barber Poles missed the postseason for the first time since 2014, and partook in the OHL Priority Selection Lottery last week, where it was determined they would have the third overall pick.
It’s the fourth time in franchise history the 67’s have held the third overall draft choice, previously selecting Wayne Merrick in 1969, Nick Boynton in 1972, and Travis Barron when they last missed the playoffs.
“We have a chance to select a player that we covet,” said 67’s General Manager James Boyd. “There is a lot of depth to this draft, so there are some quality players available at the top. It’ll be an exciting day when we make that third selection.”
Though pumped up by the opportunity to select higher than at any other time in the last decade, the front office hasn’t changed their mindset. In the past number of years, they’ve found players like Luca Pinelli in the second round, Matthew Mayich in the fourth, Zach Houben in the fifth, Will Gerrior in the ninth, and Josh Brady in the 10th.
As always, there is a firm belief that the focus from round two to 15 must be just as sharp as in the first.
“Well into the draft, there are quality players,” Boyd said. “It’s not all about our first-round pick, it’s about the draft in its entirety, and making sure that we’re getting it right rounds one through 15.”
Things are a little bit different this year, however. With the changing landscape of the hockey world, and the NCAA allowing CHL players to play for their programs going forward, things are going to change, but how?
It’s a loaded question, and not one with a simple, straightforward answer.
“The answer I have is that it remains to be seen,” Boyd said, admitting that no one really knows what’s going to happen yet. “I think we’re seeing some American players who are more interested in playing in the OHL. Some are not. Some free agents may enter the league, but those decisions haven’t been made yet. There’s a cascade from the top where we’ve got some CHL players that are entering the NCAA, maybe taking some lineup spots.”
In time, Boyd says those answers will come to the forefront and the muddied waters of the moment will clear up over the next handful of years. For now, all they can do is be as prepared as possible as they try to build a competitive roster for next season.
“It’s going to change the landscape, for sure,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can to build relationships and stay on top of it. We’ll go through it this year and find the deficiencies, and carry the successes over to next year.”
The Barber Poles own a plethora of draft choices this year, but will keep their minds and ears open when the trade freeze is lifted should anyone across the league be interested in doing business.
“There are teams that have made it known that they’re looking to add some additional picks,” Boyd said. “Like every year, we’re looking at every situation and having a number of discussions, and if something’s a good fit, we’ll look at it.”
On top of the OHL Priority Selection, the Barber Poles will have a high pick in this summer’s CHL Import Draft. Already, it has been announced that Kimi Körbler has signed in Switzerland, opening a spot for another import.
The focus has been there all season regardless, but now, there’s a great chance to add another important piece to the roster.
“It’s a year-long process,” Boyd said. “We spent a lot of time on the Import Draft, it is an important part of our season. It’s an important part of our team building. It’s going to come quickly once the OHL Draft is over. We’re comfortable with the work that’s happened, but there’s still a lot that needs to happen leading up to that draft.”
