67’s hit the road with new-look overage group
The Ottawa 67’s were busy ahead of Tuesday’s overage trade deadline in the OHL, bringing in three new faces to lead the group into the second half of the season.
Separate moves saw Ottawa add defenceman and product of nearby L’Original, Ont. Samuel Mayer from the Peterborough Petes along with a pair of fleet-footed, two-way centremen in Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Braeden Kressler from the Flint Firebirds, along with Jacob Maillet from the Windsor Spitfires.
Ottawa’s previous overage players found new homes as goaltender Max Donoso was claimed off waivers by his hometown Windsor Spitfires, while big 6-foot-6 centreman Kaleb Lawrence was dealt to the London Knights in exchange for an eighth-round pick.
"Once you win, you want to win again, and I'll bring that experience and help the team to go back and win another championship for me, and a first for these guys."
🗣️ L'Original native Samuel Mayer on his goals in #CapitalTerritory pic.twitter.com/fCMXWaevNL
— Ottawa 67’s (@Ottawa67sHockey) January 9, 2024
Joining the Ottawa blueline in exchange for three draft picks, Samuel Mayer has had his share of success against the 67’s over the years. The 20-year-old is currently the OHL’s shots on goal leader with 183, racking up 29 points (12-17–29) over 37 contests in his fourth OHL season.
“It’s exciting to be able to come home,” said Mayer of the move. “I seem to always play well here, so it’s a good feeling to come here and be on the other side.”
Jacob Maillet joins the 67’s from the Windsor Spitfires, coming over in exchange for four picks. The Dundas, Ont. product centred OHL scoring leader Matthew Maggio in Windsor last season, recording 76 points (24-52–76) in 67 games. He’s produced 32 points (12-20–32) in 37 contests for the Spitfires so far this season.
“I’m super pumped,” said Maillet. “I love the group here. I was a little surprised to get the phone call, but Ottawa is a good spot and I really like it here.”
"I like our group here a lot. A lot of nice guys, and I'm just excited to get started."
🗣️ Now 67's forward, Jacob Maillet, on Day 1 in #CapitalTerritory pic.twitter.com/XfepKzzNHK
— Ottawa 67’s (@Ottawa67sHockey) January 9, 2024
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Braeden Kressler rounds out the group, coming in from the Flint Firebirds along with two draft picks in exchange for five going back to the Firebirds. Kressler helped the Firebirds reach the Western Conference Championship Series in 2022. The Kitchener, Ont. resident has 37 points (15-22–37) over 33 games so far in 2023-24.
“The professionalism here, it’s incredible,” said Kressler, who is billeting alongside 67’s rookie Nic Whitehead as he settles into the new environment. “The coaches are looking after the players, doing video, the on-ice, off-ice, it’s insane. It’s one of the best organizations in the league.”
Sitting sixth in a tight Eastern Conference with a record of 18-15-3-0, the 67’s look to halt a six-game losing skid as they hit the road for a three-in-three with Brantford, Owen Sound and Kitchener this weekend.
"Everybody's working hard, and that's what you want to reach the next level."
🗣️ #LeafsForever prospect and new 67's forward, Braeden Kressler on his first impressions in #CapitalTerritory pic.twitter.com/pFdCjTU0aB
— Ottawa 67’s (@Ottawa67sHockey) January 9, 2024
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