Ottawa’s Own: Jaeden Nelson on Family, Roots, and the Road to the OHL

By: Carson Phillips

Earlier this year, Ottawa 67’s goaltender Jaeden Nelson joined the My Hockey Hero podcast (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music) for a conversation with Dean Barnes about his journey from minor to junior hockey, the influence of his Ghanaian roots and older brother, and what it means to represent his hometown club in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, and raised in its surrounding suburbs, Nelson’s early exposure to hockey was opportune. The family lived just a short distance from the Ottawa Senators’ home arena, a proximity that piqued his father’s interest in the game. His father, an immigrant from Ghana, like his mother, quickly became a fan, and that interest trickled down to Jaeden’s older brother, who became the first in the family to lace up a pair of skates. 

“I looked up to [my brother] in every way,” stated Jaeden, who has posted a 4-3-0 record with a 2.30 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage through seven starts so far in the 2025-26 season. “If he played, I wanted to play too.”

Following in his brother’s footsteps, Jaeden learned to skate at around five years old, and by six, he had joined a local youth hockey program. While most kids shied away from taking turns in net, Nelson embraced the challenge – eager to strap on the pads and make the position his own.

“My older brother needed someone to shoot pucks at, so he’d stick me in the net, and I kind of fell in love with it. I can’t really see myself doing anything else.”  

His passion for goaltending was further ignited as a kid watching future Hockey Hall of Famer Marc-André Fleury, who starred for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) before launching his legendary NHL career. “I credit [Fleury] being the first goaltender that I took a liking to. I’d say he is my day one idol, and the guy who got me into hockey.”  

Nelson’s first team was with the Kanata Minor Hockey Association. Unlike many young players who dreaded being stuck in the crease, Jaeden eagerly anticipated every chance he got. In his second Novice season, he earned the starting role, deepening his passion for goaltending. Then, in his first Atom season, Nelson gained a confidence boost when he made the “rep team” — the first real milestone in a career that was beginning to gain momentum.

Before Foster made it 3-1, Jaeden Nelson came up HUGE with a glove save 👀 #CapitalTerritory | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/Q4FSnv3ikG

— Ottawa 67’s (@Ottawa67sHockey) March 1, 2025

Coaches and parents recognized his raw talent early on. More importantly, they saw a work ethic and attitude that matched it. As Nelson advanced through the ranks of minor hockey, he began to understand the reality of playing at a higher level. At age 15 — his OHL Draft year — Nelson made a difficult decision, moving away from home for the first time to pursue his dream.

“That’s a very hard thing to do,” he admits. Nelson found himself in Toronto, joining the Marlboros Hockey Club (AAA) of the GTHL. Despite the challenge, he cherished the experience, highlighting his love for the team, his teammates, and his billet family who helped make Toronto feel like home.

In the end, it was a sacrifice that paid off. After just one season with the Marlboros, Jaeden Nelson was drafted in the 4th round of the OHL Priority Selection by none other than his hometown Ottawa 67’s. “I’m very thankful for that,” Nelson noted.

But his CHL debut wasn’t immediate. He began the 2023–24 season with the Navan Grads (CCHL, Junior A), where he honed his game until an unexpected opportunity arose. Mid-season injuries forced the 67’s to call him up, and on New Year’s Day 2024, Nelson finally got his first taste of CHL action when he was called upon to start the third period. Just a month later, he earned his first OHL start.

“It was a pretty strong game and a long shootout, but we lost,” Nelson recalled. Despite the result, he remembers the excitement of the moment and the overwhelming support he received from his teammates and coaches.

When asked about his career-defining moment so far, Nelson points to his first CHL win — a game where he drew on past experiences to stay composed under pressure. With the score tied 3–3 heading into overtime, he flashed back to his first start and told himself, “I’m going to do whatever it takes to get this first win.” His determination paid off, helping secure both his first career victory and two valuable points for the 67’s.

HUGE STOPS BY NELSON🤯🥅@Ottawa67sHockey goaltender Jaeden Nelson made a couple big stops in a row Wednesday night, earning him the @RealCdnSS #SaveoftheNight!💪#OHL | @CHLHockey pic.twitter.com/CunuSle6ae

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) January 23, 2025

Reflecting on how the CHL has shaped him both on and off the ice, Nelson credits the high level of competition for keeping him sharp and pushing him to improve. But beyond the rink, playing for his hometown team has strengthened his connection to the community. Living at home has allowed him to stay grounded, and participating in community events has deepened his appreciation for the support he receives from local fans.

Nelson also draws inspiration from trailblazers who came before him — particularly Black and biracial NHL goaltenders. He mentions Fred Brathwaite (Oshawa Generals / OHL), whom he’s met around the rink during training camp, and Jet Greaves, a Barrie Colts (OHL) alumnus. Seeing their success and knowing he’s following a similar path fuels his motivation to reach the next level. “It reminds me that I can always achieve what I want to achieve,” he says.

Jaeden also credits his goaltending partner from the 2024-25 season, Colin McKenzie, for his constant guidance and encouragement. “We’re each other’s biggest hype men,” Nelson said. “I credit a lot of my success to him for being one of my biggest fans and supporters.”

Though the CHL’s schedule, travel, and level of competition bring new challenges, Nelson embraces them wholeheartedly. He knows this path isn’t meant to be easy — and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

His selflessness stands out just as much as his talent. Whether backing up or starting, Nelson remains fully committed to his team. “I’ll do whatever it takes to help my team and give us the best shot,” he says.

Towards the end of the interview, Nelson offers a bit of advice to younger minority players: “Be passionate about something, and then go for it. That’s really it,” he adds. “Whatever you do, just work your absolute hardest and see where that takes you.” 

As part of the CHL’s continued efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the sport of hockey, the CHL along with its Member Leagues (Western Hockey League / WHL, Ontario Hockey League / OHL, and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League / QMJHL) are working alongside Dean Barnes and his My Hockey Hero podcast (available on all major podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music) to tell stories of Indigenous and racialized players as a way to help expose more fans to the growing impact that people of colour are having on the game of hockey. 

To view clips from various episodes and guests on the My Hockey Hero Podcast, be sure to check out the podcast on Instagram @myhockeyhero_. To see some of the unique hockey cards found in Barnes’ extensive collection, be sure to follow @diversityhockeycards on Instagram. You can also visit MyHockeyHero.com for more about Dean Barnes, the MyHockeyHero podcast, and more.