Eight 67’s take off for NHL training camps
Across the National Hockey League, training camps are primed for their opening, and as the rosters come out, you’ll see a bunch of current and former members of the Ottawa 67’s.
Eight current Barber Poles, including Brady Stonehouse (Edmonton Oilers), Matthew Mayich (St. Louis Blues), Luca Pinelli (Colombus Blue Jackets), Tuomas Uronen (Vegas Golden Knights), Brad Gardiner (Dallas Stars), Cooper Foster (Pittsburgh Penguins), Jack Beck (Carolina Hurricanes), and Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa Senators) are set to participate in camps across the league.
For most, it’s the first time attending an NHL training camp, although they have spent time with their respective clubs, attending development camp earlier in the summer. It’s another opportunity to expand their knowledge and understanding of the sport, and how to reach the next level.
“It’s going to be a great learning experience,” Mayich said. “Dave [Cameron] has been telling all of us to just go there and be a sponge. There are some great hockey minds at these places, so take it all in.”
For Stonehouse, it’s a second opportunity to make his name known.
“I’ve been to one of these camps before, so I know what to expect,” he said. “I’m just going to go there, play my game, and hope for the best. I have nothing to lose, so I just have to go there and prove myself.”
Most players will take part in their respective team’s rookie tournament, consisting of a handful of games, offering an entry point to contrasting styles compared to the OHL.
“It’s a little bit different, obviously you have to get used to a pro-style game,” Mayich said. “I haven’t been to a rookie tournament yet, but I just have to stick to my game.”
Through training camp and the preseason with the 67’s, players have had the chance to get their feet wet, and their minds back into the routine of hockey. They touched up some of those skills left untested during the summer, finding a groove.
“It’s good to get a bit of game cardio in, because you can do all of the cone drills you want, you still won’t have that game cardio,” Mayich said. “Our training camp is a little tougher than most OHL teams, so I’m feeling good, and I’m really excited.”
“There’s not much physicality in the summer, so I needed to get a feel for it again, and get prepared for playing against 22 or 23-year-olds,” Stonehouse said. “I’m going in there as prepared as I can be.”
Additionally, Tyler Boucher (Ottawa Senators), Jack Matier (Nashville Predators), and Pavel Mintyukov (Anaheim Ducks) are attending NHL camps. The 67’s maintain their rights, should they be returned to the OHL.
