Homecoming: 67’s newest acquisition Kaleb Lawrence came home to win
There’s nowhere overage forward Kaleb Lawrence would rather be.
On Tuesday, the Ottawa 67’s sent an eighth-round draft selection in 2024 to the Owen Sound Attack in exchange for the towering six-foot-seven Lawrence, adding a rare combination of grit, size, and speed to their lineup.
Growing up in Ottawa, he played with a couple of minor hockey organizations, before making the jump to ‘AAA,’ where he suited up in the barber poles, with the Ottawa Jr. 67’s. In 2019, Lawrence’s dream of playing for the Barber Poles was all but dashed, with the Attack picking him in the second round.
Since then, a lot has happened. He went through his rookie season, which backed straight into a pandemic. He lost his draft-eligible season in 2020-21, and went undrafted, but earned a camp invite from the Colombus Blue Jackets, where he injured his shoulder, and missed all but two games in 2021-22.
Even missing that much time, the Los Angeles Kings saw potential, spending a seventh-round pick on him. Last season, he finally got his chance, playing 50 games, scoring 16 goals and 37 points. Now, with his future on the line, Lawrence is hoping to sail in smoother waters, and prove himself with his hometown team.
“It was really hard on me,” he said of his career so far. “Last year, I thought I was alright, but I’m trying to move forward. This year is a big one for me, I’m playing for an NHL contract. I’m here to win, and I want to get better every day.”
Since he was a young kid, The Arena at TD Place has held a special spot in Lawrence’s heart. He attended plenty of games in his youth, even making it into an advertising campaign many years ago. The stars aligned for a homecoming like no other, and he couldn’t be happier in his new digs.
“I always hoped [I would play for the 67’s],” Lawrence admitted. “It was good fortune that they didn’t have three overagers, and they were willing to bring me in. I’m happy that I landed where I did.”
It’s a dream come true for Lawrence, but it’s his family who might be the most excited. In his time in the OHL, his parents haven’t been able to see many games, between injuries and the long distance they would have to travel, but now, that’s about to change.
“My parents are excited to have me back home, to play in front of them,” Lawrence said. “They haven’t seen me much, Owen Sound is seven hours away, so they had to make long road trips up there. Now, I’m right in their backyard.”
Stepping onto the practice for the first time on Wednesday morning was certainly an interesting experience. The 67’s do things a little differently than most OHL clubs, and while Lawrence worked to gain his footing, his new teammates got to work welcoming him.
He’s played with a few of them before, and knows some of the fellow Ottawa guys, including Will Gerrior, who was already ribbing Lawrence as if he was fully integrated into the team.
“All of the guys were welcoming,” he said. “I only know about a handful of them yet, but the other guys have been great, and I’m excited to keep building those relationships.”
Lawrence not only attended 67’s games as a kid, but was also a huge Ottawa Senators fan. He vividly remembers the days when Dave Cameron stood behind his favourite NHL club’s bench, and says it’s funny how life can come full circle sometimes.
Coming in, there’s no question in his mind that Cameron can help lead him to success, and he’s committed to learning everything he possibly can from one of the most well-travelled coaches in the OHL.
“He’s one of the best coaches in all of the CHL right now,” Lawrence said. “Every time he talks, all of the boys are paying attention, and I could see that from day one.”
For his own personal goals of reaching the next level, and for his pursuit of a championship, Lawrence feels as if he’s in the perfect spot to cash in.
“It’s awesome, the organization here is first class,” Lawrence said. “This is a team that’s definitely going to be able to help me grow my game, and I want to help the boys win here.”
