Cody Ceci
Ottawa 67’s Alumni (2009-2013)
On May 1, 2009, the Ottawa 67’s had to look no further than their own backyard when they selected Cody Ceci, with their first round pick (16th overall) in the OHL Priority Selection.
Ceci would start with the Barber Poles right away, stepping into a top six role. He would see regular minutes with the 67’s on the backend through the beginning of the season and was named to Team Ontario for the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Ceci and Team Ontario would finish as Silver Medalists losing to Team USA 2-1 in the Championship game. Ceci finished his first year with the 67’s with only 12 points (4G, 8A) but should promise going forward.
Ceci continued to improve both defensively and offensively in his second season, improving his plus-minus by 8 points and scoring nearly three times as many points jumping to 34 points (9G, 25A). After the season, Cody was named to Team Canada for the IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Germany. The team unfortunately would not medal, finishing fourth.
As a result of Ceci’s late birthday (December 21) he would have to play a third season in the OHL before becoming draft eligible. The Barber Poles defenceman would be awarded the captaincy heading the season. Ceci continued to improve on both ends of the ice. Nearly doubling his point total finishing with 60 points and improving his plus-minus to plus-21.
During the season, Ceci was one of four 67’s selected to represent Team OHL during the Canada-Russia Super Series. Team OHL won the offensive heavy game 10-7 in front of a packed crowd at the Arena at TD Place.
Ceci continued to receive recognition for his playing in junior. He was invited to the CHL’s Top Prospects game as a player for Team Cherry. Unfortunately, before he was set to leave for the game, Ceci went into the boards funny in a game against Owen Sound and was ruled out for the Top Prospects game. Ceci would return to the 67’s and finish the season with club.
Ceci entered the 2012 NHL draft as a top prospect. He was selected 15th overall by his hometown Ottawa Senators. Cody reported to camp with the team but was sent back to the 67’s for the following season.
At the beginning of the season, Ceci began to share his captaincy with Sean Monahan. Both players were invited to members of Team OHL for the Canada-Russia Super Series for the second straight year. Ceci was unfortunately left off of Team Canada’s World Junior roster and remained with the team until the winter break.
The final game before winter break would unknowingly be Ceci’s last game for the Barber Poles. He was traded to the Owen Sound Attack on January 7, 2013 and would finish his junior career there.
Today, Cody Ceci is still a member of the Ottawa Senators. He is in the final year of his two contract with the team. Cody was also a part of Team Canada during the 2016 World Championship. The defenceman played 10 games registering 6 points (1G, 5A) en route to Team Canada capturing the Gold Medal.