Prospect trio commits to 67’s

Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa 67’s announced over the weekend that three prospects have made commitments to the club out of training camp, with Jack Dever, Collin MacKenzie and Will Gerrior signing standard player agreements.

Dever, who turned 16 on Sunday, was a fourth round pick of the 67’s this past spring. The Belleville, Ont. native was selected 68th overall in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection out of the Quinte Red Devils U16 program where he served as captain. The skilled young centre was a key player on a talented Red Devils team, that saw an additional six players taken in this year’s draft, including Ethan Quick, who was also selected by the 67’s.

“Jack Dever is a high-energy player who works well in both ends of the ice, and demonstrates quick decision-making skills,” Barber Poles general manager James Boyd said. “We’re very pleased to welcome him to the Ottawa 67’s.”

Dever, whose two-way ability earned high praise from scouts, appeared as a member of Team White during the 67’s training camp scrimmages. He stood out for his tenacity on the forecheck and for causing constant headaches for opposing defenders and netminders.

The 67’s also announced the signing of 16-year-old goaltender Collin MacKenzie. The eighth round pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection hails from Elora, Ont. and is a product of the Waterloo Wolves AAA program where he recorded five shutouts and a 1.63 goals-against average in 35 games from 2018-20. MacKenzie represented Ontario at the U15 World Selects Invite in 2019.

“Collin MacKenzie is a very athletic goaltender who reads the play very well and demonstrates great patience on the ice,” said Boyd. “We were very impressed with his dedication, evidenced by his level of physical fitness and excellent performance in training camp.”

Appearing in goal for all three of Team Red’s intrasquad scrimmages throughout the 2021 67’s training camp, MacKenzie turned in a marvelous performance, only surrendering one goal over the entire weekend. He joins a Barber Poles crease with no shortage of high-end ability that boasts St. Louis Blues prospect Will Cranley and Max Donoso.

The Barber Poles also announced the signing of 2020 ninth round selection Will Gerrior, a local product out of the Ottawa Junior Senators AAA program. Originally hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Gerrior finished second in Jr. Sens 2019-20 scoring with 29 goals, 15 assists and 44 points in 45 games. He was equally dominant in that year’s postseason, with five goals in three playoff games.

“Will has made productive use of the last year to add strength, which complements his high level of skill and hockey sense,” said Boyd. “We are excited to welcome Will to the Ottawa 67’s to continue his development.”

Gerrior laced up with Team Black, and later 67’s Red during the Barber Poles’ training camp intrasquad games, making a name for himself with his high level of skill. He joins a talented group of left wingers, alongside the likes of Calgary Flames prospect Jack Beck and Dylan Robinson.

All three players were in the lineup for Ottawa’s 2-1 shootout pre-season road win over Peterborough on Labour Day.