Ottawa native Ryan White comes to 67’s seeking development, opportunity
Whenever a local product suits up for the Ottawa 67’s, it’s a big story. But it’s even larger when he’s the son of a former NHLer, like in the case of 2007-born defenceman Ryan White.
A ninth-round pick by the 67’s in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, White’s path to the OHL has been a long and twisting one. Last season, he played the bulk of his games at the U16 level with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program, suiting up in one USHL game with the Tri-City Storm. Before that season ever started, he committed to Providence College, seemingly ending any chance he’d be a 67.
He moved back to Canada for the 2024-25 season, playing in the BCHL with the Surrey Eagles, but was injured after just 12 games with his new team. As the season progressed, however, doors began to open. On January 15th, the NCAA announced changes to their eligibility rules, allowing CHL players to compete for the first time ever.
Around that same time, White received a call from his advisor, telling him 67’s General Manager James Boyd was interested.
“I took a couple of days to think about it, but right away, I knew I was probably gonna jump on it,” White said. “To be able to play from your hometown is pretty special.”
Until recently, White was held out of the lineup while working his way back from injury, and finally, on Saturday afternoon, he made his 67’s debut.
“It’s definitely a weight off my shoulders,” White said. “It’s been quite a while, and I’ve been quite acclimated with the guys with quite a few practices, but just getting the first game was great.”
Growing up in Kanata, White played in the Kanata Minor Hockey Association with the Blazers for teams coached by his father Todd between the U8 and U13 levels. During those formative years, he also called Jaeden Nelson a teammate.
As time moved along, he played ‘AAA’ hockey for Ottawa Myers Automotive, but moved to the United States in 2022. Still, he never lost his connection with the city, and is beyond excited to be back with the 67’s.
“I’m a huge Ottawa guy down deep and just love being here,” White said. “When I was about eight, I started coming to games with buddies, and probably went to a couple every year. My elementary school used to come to the school day games. Those were always pretty fun to be able to sit with your classmates and have a booming crowd.”
His passion and love for the city not only made the decision to commit to the 67s easy, but recently, he opted to postpone his NCAA commitment by a season.
Intending to return in 2025-26, White is after one thing: development.
“I’m super dedicated, I’ve always had a huge passion for the game,” he said. “Whatever the best opportunity for development in my career is where I’ve been going, and I’ve moved around a lot with hockey, but to be able to come home now is super exciting.”
Standing at five-foot-nine and 174 pounds, White brings a dynamic set of skills to the 67’s blue line.
“I like to say I’m a three-zone player,” he said. “I like to move the puck and make plays. You’d think I’m pretty offensive but defence is really important to me. I try to be a mean player to play against for my size.”
With his parents, grandparents, and his sister all in attendance on Friday night, White potted his first OHL goal, ripping a wrister over the shoulder of 2023-24 Goaltender of the Year Award recipient Jacob Oster.
“Obviously, it’s pretty special to get your first and any league, and to do in the OHL, I’m pretty proud of myself,” White said. “I’ve gotta give credit to my teammates and this organization for giving me the opportunity.”
His father’s name carries some weight in the city, thanks to him playing four seasons with the Senators. That comes with pressure for the young White, as people expect you to be as good, if not better, than your father.
“I guess there’s a little bit of expectation, but it’s nothing I take too seriously,” he said. “I just work hard to be a good person. My parents have been everything. They’ve given me every opportunity in the world to succeed in life and my hockey career. So I can’t thank them enough.”
Rocking the number 21 with the Barber Poles, he is, of course, paying tribute to his father.
“My dad wore number 12 when he was playing,” White said. “I grew up wearing number 12. When Chris Hamilton gave me the number choices, I was like, great, 21 is 12 backwards, so I jumped on it.”
