Frankie Marrelli to suit up in his 200th career OHL game
OTTAWA, ON – Dressing in Friday night’s game versus the Barrie Colts, Frankie Marrelli is set to become the 79th player in Ottawa 67’s history to suit up in 200 games, all while a member of the barber poles.
“I think it’s a pretty big accomplishment,” Marrelli said of the feat. “200 games already is kinda crazy, it feels like I was first in the league yesterday.”
His junior hockey journey began, like many, at the OHL draft, selected 21st overall by the 67’s in 2022. While Marrelli is now known for being a dependable blueliner, things haven’t always come easily. In his rookie season, he’d spend the first couple of months trying to establish himself in the lineup full-time.
He thanks his support system, from the coaching staff and his teammates in Ottawa to his parents and friends, for helping him with the adjustment to junior hockey. “They just said, keep your head down and keep working,” he said of the advice he got. “It all worked out.”
Once established, he quickly rose through the ranks of the 67’s blueline, and it wasn’t long before Marrelli’s name landed on the back of a Team Canada jersey, representing his country thrice at the Under-17s and winning Gold at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and Under-18s.
“It’s always an honour to wear the maple leaf,” Marrelli said. “Winning gold was pretty special.”
Not only has his game matured each season, but so too has his role. “Coming in as a young guy, you look up to the older guys, try to learn as much as you can,” he said. Now a veteran, he’s taken on a leadership role. “Teaching the younger guys things I’ve learned on and off the ice and being someone they can come to every day and someone who uplifts the team on a daily basis.”
Looking back, if Marrelli were to give himself a piece of advice, it’d be to enjoy every day.
“There’s been a lot of great moments over my four years here,” Marrelli said.
“There’s been plenty of guys who’ve come and gone from the organisation, and I have great memories with all of them,” he said. “Each game has its own memories within itself.”
While the milestone has given Marrelli some time to reminisce, ultimately, he feels like he’s got a lot more to accomplish in his junior career. “It may be my fourth year and 200 games, but there are always opportunities to get better,” he said.
“And then of course, win,” he added. “I think we have a special team here, so I’m hoping we’ll do something special.”
Watch his interview here: https://youtu.be/J8GzXY4zswk
