Checking in with the Barber Poles on Christmas Day
On this Christmas Day, The Arena at TD Place is silent.
For the past handful of days, Ottawa 67’s staff and players have been spending time with their families, free of the rigorous schedule that comes with playing in the OHL. Around the globe, families celebrate their own unique traditions, and players are no exception, yet another reminder of the humanity behind what goes on during a game.
When most 67’s fans are just waking up in the morning, Kimi Körbler is already well into his day back home in Davos, Switzerland. Before this season, he had never stepped foot in Canada, making the move all the more challenging. There have been times when he’s missed family, but finally, a visit home helps boost the spirits.
He says almost all of his time back home has been spent with either family, or friends. They’ve gone out to dinner together a handful of times, and went to an HC Davos game, a homecoming of sorts, as Körbler played youth hockey with them.
Just as he’s done every year since he was little, Körbler and his family head to his grandparent’s house, where they share a meal, and open presents together. Soon after, he’ll be back on an airplane, ready to return to Ottawa for the second half of his rookie season, meaning this holiday season is even more special than normal.
The relative silence at TD Place doesn’t mean the players haven’t been keeping ready with routine skates. Some have booked ice sessions, Will Gerrior suited up in a charity game with a handful of other OHL players on Saturday night, and others have hit the outdoor rinks, a callback to childhood.
In Ottawa, NHL draft-eligible defenceman Henry Mews has made considerable effort to get skates in wherever possible. Every year since he was young, his family has built an outdoor rink in the backyard, which is where Mews says he fell in love with the game of hockey. On Christmas day, he’ll typically finish breakfast, and spend the rest of the day on the ice with childhood friends, and teammates from his minor hockey days, with a steady stream of hot chocolate, of course.
Although hockey-obsessed, Mews ensures he spends enough time off the ice to partake in other traditions, including a family photo with “funky” Christmas sweaters, and a Christmas Eve dinner with the extended family.
The celebration in the Mews household got a shot in the arm last week with the news that he would be heading to Moncton for the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in January. Growing up, Mews says it’s a game he always paid attention to, noting various big names who have taken part.
Now, it’s his turn, and it’s an opportunity he’s grateful for. Mews believes representing the 67’s at the event is a big deal, but the biggest goal is to make his family and friends watching back home proud.
To the south, OHL Cup champion Caden Kelly is hitting the road from his native Mississauga, to his grandparent’s farm in Markdale. The drive takes roughly two hours, but signifies the beginning of his family’s biggest tradition.
It’s there that the Kelly family celebrates the holidays with a “massive” dinner, followed by an equally big breakfast. The overnight stay offers a wonderful chance for bonding, while allowing time to harken back on good memories, and a break from the crazy junior hockey lifestyle.
From here in Ottawa, in the greater landscape of Ontario, or in various parts of the world, the 67’s connection burns bright this holiday season. A time for family, rest, and recovery, underscored by relationships that connect every staff member, coach, player, and fan, both current and past.
From the 67’s family to yours, have a happy holiday season.
