Hometown Barber Poles hoping to feel embrace of Ottawa faithful
Seldom are the opportunities to etch your name in the annals of junior hockey history in your hometown, and with the Ottawa 67’s.
For many players, a new home, city, and billet family are the reality of the OHL, but for a select – and exceptionally fortunate – few, it means a chance to chase their dreams of one day playing in the National Hockey League, all while experiencing the comfort of their parent’s home-cooked meals.
With the series tied at 1-1, the Barber Poles are set to return to The Arena at TD Place on Tuesday night for Game 3, where they aim to continue their quest for the ‘X.’ For the lucky ones, they know they’ll have the support of their family and friends in the crowd, but for others, the faithful fans who come to the rink can have an equal impact.
“Playing for my hometown team has always been an honour, and the fans here always give us the best support,” third-year forward Chris Barlas said. “I already know they are going to come out and show us some love on Tuesday.”
With playoff experience in intimate environments with Peterborough last season, and now Brantford, the Barber Poles have been forced to cope with the realities of a raucous crowd, and hostile atmosphere.
Hearing the roar of the crowd wills a player for one more stride in a footrace, an extra bit of strength in a puck battle, and a little more reach on a loose puck at the netmouth. It’s an inexplicable pick-me-up, and a significant difference-maker in a close game, which is common when the 67’s and Bulldogs meet.
“Momentum means a lot in games like these,” said draft-eligible defenceman, Henry Mews. “It’s intimidating for the other team, and it makes you want to play for the crest and the fans.”
The feeling of skating out of the tunnel to cheers is something many never experience, and it’s for that reason the 67’s aren’t taking it for granted.
“It really helps us,” said Will Gerrior. “It helps bring the energy into the building, and that gets us going. We get so much more excited when the building is loud, and we want it so much more when you guys are there. Anything you can do to support, we really appreciate.”
Being in the arena is one of the ways to help give this ambitious group of Barber Poles a boost, but there are additional methods. Whether it’s cards and posters from the Booster Club and other fans, or messages on social media, the positive energy is seen, felt, and above all, appreciated.
“It’s great to see the support from all of the people who care about us,” Gerrior said. “All of the different things the fans do to support us really do motivate us, and make us want it just that little bit more. That’s what it comes down to in the playoffs.”
Sitting in the stands in their youth, the Ottawa kids oft dreamed of one day playing for the Barber Poles, and creating a legacy of their own.
“I remember going to all the games [as a kid], even the year before COVID when they had that really good team,” Gerrior said. “I remember seeing guys like Marco Rossi and Graeme Clarke, and [establishing a name for myself] is huge. Playoffs is a spot where you can do that.”
Whether you’re a fan, player, coach, support staff, or usher, this is the only time anyone will experience this exact team make their bid at greatness. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, be there, and be ready to play your part.
“You don’t get many opportunities to go far in the playoffs,” Mews said. “It’s our job to capitalize on this. It’s once-in-a-lifetime.”
The 67’s need your support, get your tickets for Game 3 on Tuesday here.
