A Childhood Dream Becomes Reality for Brennan Othmann
By: Morgan Blaind
Growing up, every hockey player dreams of playing in the National Hockey League when they get old enough. For most, it remains just a dream, but for the lucky few, it becomes a reality. After graduating from the Ontario Hockey League and playing half of a season in the American Hockey League, Brennan Othmann’s dream of making it to the NHL finally came true.
Othmann, a Pickering, Ontario native, was originally drafted second overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection by the Flint Firebirds. The Don Mills Flyers product had two incredible seasons in Flint, where he holds the record for most single-season goals and points after having a breakout 2021/22 season. Ahead of his record-breaking season in Flint, Othmann was drafted in the first round, 16th overall in the NHL Draft by the New York Rangers.
He was acquired by the Petes in November of 2022, as Peterborough was putting together a team to take a run at an OHL Championship. During his time with the maroon and white, Othmann would go on to score 18 goals and tally 25 assists for 43 points across 40 regular season games. During the 2023 Playoffs, Othmann would be a crucial part of the Petes 10th J. Ross Robertson Cup, by tallying 8 goals and 17 assists for 25 points across 23 games.
Once graduating from the OHL, Othmann would go on to make his professional debut in the American Hockey League with the Hartford Wolf Pack. During his first season, he would tally 21 goals and 28 assists for 49 points across 67 games. “It was a great first year. I enjoyed myself and feel like I learned a lot,” explained Othmann. “Hartford is a great place and I have felt my game grow since being here.” With what he was showing on the ice with Hartford, Othmann went on to receive an invitation to play in the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic. “I was very honoured to be selected to play in the All-Star Game. It was a lot of fun and it allowed me to build some confidence that I am bringing into my second year,” he stated.
Othmann’s childhood dream would come true on January 4th, 2024 when he made his official NHL debut at Madison Square Garden against the Chicago Blackhawks. “It’s every kid’s dream to be able to play in the NHL. Once you get there and get a taste of it you want to play there all the time,” Othmann stated. “It was a lot of fun and I want to continue putting on that Rangers jersey every night.” He would stay with the New York Rangers for three games before returning to finish the year with the Wolf Pack.
Currently, in his sophomore season, Othmann is still trying to crack the New York Rangers roster. “I’ve been working on the little details and cleaning up my game a little bit,” said Othmann. “I think most things are there but I am just trying to be competitive every day and go out there with confidence to carry the puck and take my game to the next level.”
Throughout his second year in Hartford, Othmann has recorded 12 goals and 7 assists for 19 points across 25 games. As he continues to develop and refine his game with the Wolf pack, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a regular fixture in the New York Rangers lineup and makes an even greater impact on the ice.
*UPDATE: Since this story has been released, Brennan Othmann has been recalled by the New York Rangers. Click HERE for details.
