Laurin, Avila score OHL firsts, 67’s earn a point in Kingston
It was a heartbreaking end to the Ottawa 67’s 2026-27 season opener as they dropped the opening contest in Kingston 3-2 in overtime.
The Barber Poles fought hard to earn a point in the contest, with first-round pick Andrew Laurin capitalizing on a power play opportunity late in the third period. The Kingston native delivered a pair of thundering checks early in the man advantage, before finding some space in the high slot and ripping home the feed from Nic Whitehead to force overtime at Slush Puppie Place.
“I was just trying to make a play and get the puck towards the net. When I got the opportunity, I tried to stay calm and make the most of it. Once I saw the puck go in, it was honestly a lot of excitement and I just kind of blacked out. It happened pretty quickly, so I didn’t have a lot of time to think about it until afterwards with the boys.” Laurin said following the game.
With plenty of friends and family in the building, Laurin was happy to share his debut and first OHL goal with them, but he admits it feels a little bittersweet that his team couldn’t come out with the victory.
“I had quite a few friends and family here tonight, so knowing they were all in the building made it pretty special. I could feel their support throughout the game, and it was honestly pretty cool knowing that the people who have helped me on this journey were there to help me in the game tonight.”
“It’s definitely tough because you always want to win, especially in your first game. At the same time, I’m proud of how we competed and fought back and stuck without throughout the game. The first goal is something I’ll always remember, but obviously the main focus is the team and finding a way to get a win.”
Laurin wasn’t the only 67 to pot their first career OHL goal tonight. Midway through the second period, Connor Bewick ripped a shot on goal that squeaked through the Kingston goalie’s arm, and Theo Avila was able to pounce on the loose puck in the crease and level the scoring at 1 for the time being.
“It was unreal. I don’t know if I was expecting to score in my first game, but here we are.” Avila said post-game. “I saw Bewick come in and just shoot it and I just went to the net and it dropped down, and I just popped it in.”
Avila was originally selected by his hometown 67s in the third round of the U18 draft in 2024. He has played 12 games across two seasons since, but now appears to be getting an opportunity to shine in a new role with the club. Originally drafted as a defenceman, Avila suited up today on Ottawa’s fourth line and made the most of the opportunity given to him.
“I don’t even have any words. I just kept working at it, and it felt good to just get drafted and to have the opportunity to play in 13 games is an unreal feeling.”
Asked if he thought he was going to have the 67’s first goal of the season, Avila simply chuckled and responded “No, absolutely not.”
Goaltender Jaeden Nelson carried over his strong form from last season into this year’s campaign, stopping 23 of 26 Kingston shots, including a few high-danger chances to help keep his team within striking distance of the Frontenacs.
Ultimately, the 67s came out on the wrong side of the 3-on-3 overtime, when import forward Alex Misiak ripped home the winner midway through the extra frame, but there are plenty of positives for the club to build on heading into the weekend when they play their next round of games.
Ottawa will head to Peterborough for a meeting with the Petes on Saturday, September 26, before heading back to The Arena at TD Place for their home opener the following afternoon, welcoming the Sarnia Sting to the nation’s capital. You can catch all of the action on FloHockey and TSN 1200.
