67’s prospects: Kingwell cruising, Smith carrying the load & more

For those fans in tune with the Ottawa 67’s, the health of the club’s future can be equally as important as what happens today. An emphasis on drafting and developing has created numerous examples of late-round picks playing with the Barber Poles, many of whom have spent a year playing junior elsewhere before making the jump.

Here, you’ll find a guide to the pipeline, and hear about who is making noise in their pursuit of the next level.

Shaan Kingwell cruising with Grads

One of the two 67’s prospects currently with the CCHL’s Navan Grads, Shaan Kingwell has gotten off to a flying start. Through 27 games, the Ottawa native has scored 10 goals, and added a further seven assists while playing on the wing. His 17 points are good for fifth on the Grads’ roster, playing a significant role in helping the club to first place in the league overall thus far.

In November, Kingwell garnered plenty of attention from the league, being announced as a runner-up for the CCHL’s Rookie Performer of the Month, the only 2007-born skater listed. Among rookie scoring leaders, Kingwell ranks second, and leads the charge for 2007 birthdays.

“Shaan continues to improve his game and his contributions offensively have propelled him into an important role with our program,” said Grads Head Coach Marty Abrams. “In the second half, we expect his progress to continue and look forward to watching that unfold.”

The Barber Poles selected the five-foot-10 winger with the 222nd overall pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. The 67’s have previously found success in the 11th round, finding Derek Smyth in 2020.

John Lumsden working tenaciously with Raiders

Stittsville native John Lumsden spent last season with the Peterborough Petes U16 squad in the ETAHL, but has made the move back to the Ottawa area this season, suiting up with the CCHL’s Nepean Raiders.

In his first seven games of junior hockey, Lumsden was held off the scoresheet, but as of late, things have begun to look up. In his 20 most recent games, the young defenceman has nine points, including his first goal, which came on November 28th against the Hawkesbury Hawks. In his two final games before the holiday break, Lumsden registered three points.

“John takes care of his end first and foremost,” said Raiders Head Coach Jerrett DeFazio. “Lummer has a high IQ, and is tenacious on opponents breaking up plays. He has a great first pass with offensive instincts as well. John is one of our hardest-working players both on the ice and in the gym. Elite character.”

A 14th-round pick in 2023, Lumsden only needs to look one year back to find precedent for a jump to the OHL, with Charlie Hilton showing that hard work usurps draft position.

Daryan Matthews absorbing defensive role with Panthers

After a respectable training camp with the Barber Poles, 2007-born defenceman Daryan Matthews set his vision on a step into junior hockey, suiting up for the EOJHL’s Embrun Panthers. The towering six-foot-five, 207-pounder has a knack for taking care of his own end of the rink, embodying the notion that a goal saved is just as valuable as a goal scored.

In 27 games, Matthews has picked up three points, but has limited the number of times his name has shown up in the penalties section of the game sheet, registering only 16 minutes in the box, and zero in the final six games leading into the holiday break.

Matthews was the 67’s 13th-round selection, 262nd overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection.

Jacob Smith pouring it on with Thunderbirds

Outside of Ottawa, and into the NOJHL, Jacob Smith has captured the eyes of Northern Ontario hockey fans. In the highly competitive league, Smith has gotten off to an incredible start, scoring 39 points – 16 of which have been goals – in 31 games.

Due to injuries, Smith has been forced to play a bigger role than otherwise anticipated, according to The Sault Star. Sometimes, that has meant being the one to score a big goal, and others, it has been playing lock-down defence with just seconds remaining on the clock. It’s a challenge he’s been up for, and so far, one he’s excelling at.

“Jacob has become a confident young player who’s earned the trust of our entire staff based on his commitment and work ethic,” said Thunderbirds General Manager and 67’s scout Jamie Henderson. “We’ve seen his game grow every month, and even at a young age, he’s been depended on to help carry the load here with the Thunderbirds.”

The 67’s drafted Smith with the 20th overall pick in the 2023 U18 Priority Selection.