2025 - 2026 Ottawa 67s Season Thread, Part IV

[67sFan]

I thought the twin who was a defenceman was 6'7... If one or both does come to Ottawa, it would help the 67s with the lack of physicality and lack of size

I've seen both of these big boys play in the CCHL this season, including at the CCHL Top Prospects Game where they played together. If the 67's are looking to add more size, toughness, and physicality to their lineup, these two would certainly help.

A pairing of Johnsson and Gauthier could be very effective. Both players enjoy playing a physical game, finish their checks, and are not afraid to stand up for teammates. They bring a strong net-front presence, make life difficult for opposing forwards, and add an element of toughness that Ottawa has been lacking on the back end.

What stands out most is that neither player is intimidated by older competition. They are not afraid to engage physically with 20-year-olds and will not back down from anyone. They play with confidence, compete hard every shift, and are willing to protect teammates and their goaltender in any situation. If one or both end up with the 67's, they could significantly improve the team's physical identity.

 

[OMG67]

clearly a league or two below Chicago mission

I think the main takeaway of the signing is that he’s still a 17 year old prospect so it is not like we should have any expectations of him being a key contributor. Just another prospect that needs to earn his way into the club.

 

[leafs4life94]

I think the main takeaway of the signing is that he’s still a 17 year old prospect so it is not like we should have any expectations of him being a key contributor. Just another prospect that needs to earn his way into the club.

I knew I recognized the last name but I couldn't place it - his younger brother (I assume - same hometown) Cameron but up ridiculous numbers at the Brick Atom tournament a couple years ago - 6GP, 15G, 8A for 23 PTS/3.83 PPG.

Likely means nothing for Colby's future, but some of the top all time names ended up being pretty good hockey players - Cole Caufield and Michael Misa being the previous two high scorers.

 

[67sFan]

I knew I recognized the last name but I couldn't place it - his younger brother (I assume - same hometown) Cameron but up ridiculous numbers at the Brick Atom tournament a couple years ago - 6GP, 15G, 8A for 23 PTS/3.83 PPG.

Likely means nothing for Colby's future, but some of the top all time names ended up being pretty good hockey players - Cole Caufield and Michael Misa being the previous two high scorers.

He's still very young, and the only truly eye-catching numbers right now are from the Brick Tournament. In my opinion, the Brick doesn't tell us much about a player's long-term potential. It's largely a pay-to-play event where a lot of parents already have NHL dreams for their kids at 10 years old.

At that age, development is all over the map. Some kids dominate early because they're physically ahead, while others catch up years later. There are so many factors that influence a player's path after that—coaching, work ethic, growth, physical maturity, opportunities, and the quality of teammates and competition around them.

It's a fun tournament and a great experience, but there's still a very long road between success at the Brick and becoming a high-level junior, college, or professional player.

As for his older brother, I suspect they'll likely assign him to a CCHL, OJHL, or GOJHL team to continue his development and get a better sense of where he fits long term. At this stage, it's important for players to get meaningful minutes and opportunities in situations that match their current level.

 

[BarberPole9]

I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a Spitznagel return next year in this case. With a year under his belt, I could see a big jump for him.

With the Combe signing, possible Spitznagel return and some big players drafted, Jan Egert seems to be prioritizing size.

 

[dirty12]

I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a Spitznagel return next year in this case. With a year under his belt, I could see a big jump for him.

With the Combe signing, possible Spitznagel return and some big players drafted, Jan Egert seems to be prioritizing size.

He’s not alone in that. It seems quite a few teams drafted big this year. The wolves selected six 6’2” U16 rounds 2-4.

 

[67sfan1993]

I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a Spitznagel return next year in this case. With a year under his belt, I could see a big jump for him.

With the Combe signing, possible Spitznagel return and some big players drafted, Jan Egert seems to be prioritizing size.

Spitznagel coming back next season is something I did not expect to happen, I would've thought he would head back to NCAA next season

 

[OMG67]

Spitznagel coming back next season is something I did not expect to happen, I would've thought he would head back to NCAA next season

I’m not a fan of Spitznagel as an OA. That said, the volume of quality OAs is pretty weak now.

 

[Vector Calculus]

Spitznagel coming back next season is something I did not expect to happen, I would've thought he would head back to NCAA next season

I'm a little confused about Spitznagel as well. He was a useful 4th-line piece last season and improved as his time went on, which isn't surprising given he basically sat the first half of the year. I know we have lots of OA space but I'm just not sure how using it on Spitznagel makes sense.

In terms of Coombe, I will be surprised if he isn't on the opening day roster. Last summer, the signings announced were:

May 5 - Brock Chitaroni
May 5 - Jaxon Williams
May 28 - Thomas Vandenberg
June 10 - Ryder Fetterolf
June 23 - Jack Johnson
June 26 - Connor Bewick
July 17 - Jasper Kuhta
July 20 - Onrej Ruml
July 31 - Brayden Krawczyk
August 31 - Cade Campbell
August 31 - Reid Hayes

The priority selection was two months later this year, but broadly speaking outside of Jack Johnson (who ended up playing 10 games) all the signings at this point in the summer played full time for us.

 

[67sfan1993]

I'm a little confused about Spitznagel as well. He was a useful 4th-line piece last season and improved as his time went on, which isn't surprising given he basically sat the first half of the year. I know we have lots of OA space but I'm just not sure how using it on Spitznagel makes sense.

Reason I was surprised was after Spitznagel joined late in the season because of lack of playing time in Michigan, I would've thought he would find a D1 program that needed a player and his time in Ottawa would be very brief

 

[Vector Calculus]

Reason I was surprised was after Spitznagel joined late in the season because of lack of playing time in Michigan, I would've thought he would find a D1 program that needed a player and his time in Ottawa would be very brief

Absolutely, that was my expectation as well.

 

[67sfan1993]

I am curious when the theme games are gonna be revealed, I got a friend from Montreal who came to the last 2 Teddy Bear Toss games and he wants to come to another.
I assume the school day game vs Brampton will be available for season ticket members, if that does happen again, that would be a fun environment to experience as a fan....

 

[OMG67]

I'm a little confused about Spitznagel as well. He was a useful 4th-line piece last season and improved as his time went on, which isn't surprising given he basically sat the first half of the year. I know we have lots of OA space but I'm just not sure how using it on Spitznagel makes sense.

In terms of Coombe, I will be surprised if he isn't on the opening day roster. Last summer, the signings announced were:

May 5 - Brock Chitaroni
May 5 - Jaxon Williams
May 28 - Thomas Vandenberg
June 10 - Ryder Fetterolf
June 23 - Jack Johnson
June 26 - Connor Bewick
July 17 - Jasper Kuhta
July 20 - Onrej Ruml
July 31 - Brayden Krawczyk
August 31 - Cade Campbell
August 31 - Reid Hayes

The priority selection was two months later this year, but broadly speaking outside of Jack Johnson (who ended up playing 10 games) all the signings at this point in the summer played full time for us.

The difference was we had to replace a bunch of trashy players.

 

[OMG67]

Whitehead - ??? - Ekberg
Bowes - Import? - Chitaroni
Shepherd - Houben - Laurin
Krawczyk - Hayes - Packalen

I think Shepherd will play. I don’t see why they draft an ‘09 without the intention of him playing. Laurin and Packalen likely both play considering they are top 26 picks.

I assume they draft an Import Centre. That means they need to add another centre, maybe an OA.

I don’t see a spot for Spitznagel. I see him in the USHL. I cannot see an OHL team using a spot on a depth winger. It doesn’t make much sense. I say that but him and Houben did play well together so maybe I could be wrong.

Coombe will have a shot but I cannot see him on the starting roster. Lundmark may be an interesting option as well. Hopefully he will have grown a bit this past year. If he can get to 5’10 165, he could have a shot. Skillzy kid.

Grima could also have a shot to crack the roster. Ben Slavick may be another player to watch. He signed a Tender agreement with Green Bay so he is highly unlikely to come this year but maybe a player to watch.

 

[Vector Calculus]

Lundmark may be an interesting option as well. Hopefully he will have grown a bit this past year. If he can get to 5’10 165, he could have a shot. Skillzy kid.

Lundmark is a real wildcard to me. He was one of the best players at dev camp last year even though he was a shrimp. If he has grown or filled out at all he could surprise.

 

[OMG67]

Lundmark is a real wildcard to me. He was one of the best players at dev camp last year even though he was a shrimp. If he has grown or filled out at all he could surprise.

His Dad was sooo small but made it work.

 

[frontsfan67]

Whitehead - ??? - Ekberg
Bowes - Import? - Chitaroni
Shepherd - Houben - Laurin
Krawczyk - Hayes - Packalen

select Anttoni Uronen and trade him to us in 2027/28

 

[Fawlty]

His Dad was sooo small but made it work.

Quick search has him at 5 ft 10 now but still a little light at around 150. Does have intriguing skills though.

 

[OMG67]

Quick search has him at 5 ft 10 now but still a little light at around 150. Does have intriguing skills though.

Jack Beck was 160 so if he can gain 10-15lb over the summer which is doable with the right routine, he would be fine.

 

[beastintheeast]

Whitehead - ??? - Ekberg
Bowes - Import? - Chitaroni
Shepherd - Houben - Laurin
Krawczyk - Hayes - Packalen

I think Shepherd will play. I don’t see why they draft an ‘09 without the intention of him playing. Laurin and Packalen likely both play considering they are top 26 picks.

I assume they draft an Import Centre. That means they need to add another centre, maybe an OA.

I don’t see a spot for Spitznagel. I see him in the USHL. I cannot see an OHL team using a spot on a depth winger. It doesn’t make much sense. I say that but him and Houben did play well together so maybe I could be wrong.

Coombe will have a shot but I cannot see him on the starting roster. Lundmark may be an interesting option as well. Hopefully he will have grown a bit this past year. If he can get to 5’10 165, he could have a shot. Skillzy kid.

Grima could also have a shot to crack the roster. Ben Slavick may be another player to watch. He signed a Tender agreement with Green Bay so he is highly unlikely to come this year but maybe a player to watch.

Right now, we can hope they find an import that can play center

But I think to start the year, you have to have Chitaroni at the center.

The import is going to take a little time to get used to things. Also, I don't see a top OA center being available until later in the season.

The bottom line to everything happening here is 2-fold: what the game plan for this team is for this year, and who they can sign who is going to be a standout player. The UFA's are going to make the difference with this team

Based on what we have, not on what we want.

Whitehead Chitaroni Ekberg
Bowes Houben Hayes
Shepherd Krawzyck Laurin
Grima Packalen ?

Yes, it is a little light and definitely has a few holes to fill. I am hoping tht Houben has now found his confidence after the last part of last season and can come back as a bit of a leader.

Gauthier may be the offset piece to Esh


I am looking forward to reading about the dog fight that defence is going to be for the first couple of days of camp

 

[OMG67]

Right now, we can hope they find an import that can play center

But I think to start the year, you have to have Chitaroni at the center.

The import is going to take a little time to get used to things. Also, I don't see a top OA center being available until later in the season.

The bottom line to everything happening here is 2-fold: what the game plan for this team is for this year, and who they can sign who is going to be a standout player. The UFA's are going to make the difference with this team

Based on what we have, not on what we want.

Whitehead Chitaroni Ekberg
Bowes Houben Hayes
Shepherd Krawzyck Laurin
Grima Packalen ?

Yes, it is a little light and definitely has a few holes to fill. I am hoping tht Houben has now found his confidence after the last part of last season and can come back as a bit of a leader.

Gauthier may be the offset piece to Esh


I am looking forward to reading about the dog fight that defence is going to be for the first couple of days of camp

Compiling a lineup right now as if no other additions are imminent isn’t realistic.

They managed to draft Kuhta last year in the 2nd round of the Import Draft. I don’t see any reason why a team like Ottawa with all their paid contacts and demonstrated success drafting Imports would have any issues targeting a capable 18 or 19 year old centre for a top 6 role.

We also need to consider much of the top of many teams has been chopped. The competition level at the elite end of the OHL is pretty much gone. The player we would have needed to play 1C isn’t the same calibre requirement as in previous seasons.

I agree the OA centre may not be available but there will be Americans pushed out of NCAA spots looking for meaningful minutes. 20 year olds would be wasting their time in the USHL. As the summer unfolds and roster spots start to diminish, we will see more players squeezed out and entering the OHL. It is almost a certainty. We saw many last year and there was only a trickle of players leaving early. The numbers have increased 3x this year. It is not realistic to expect a team like Ottawa not to be able to acquire at least two American Free Agents to play a meaningful role.

I don’t see a dog fight at defense. I see a bunch of 3rd pairing guys fighting to see who plays 12 minutes per game vs sitting in the press box. The fight we need doesn’t exist right now. They need to find at least one top pairing D-Man if they want to go anywhere this year. I know we need D-Men but that top pairing veteran D-Man is likely going to be the toughest piece to sign as a free agent.

On top of the free ways to acquire players, there are also trade opportunities. I’d prefer not to go down that road until the deadline but if the right player becomes available, they should jump on him.

Final note… I piece together a lineup where players are playing roles they are capable of playing. I do that so you can see the true holes that need to be filled one way or the other. You have a depth chart where you have moved players out of position simply because you are trying to push players to fit an unrealistic lineup. That is not very meaningful or helpful. There isn’t a chance in Hell Chitaroni plays 1C. There is likely a 50% chance at best he plays Centre and it will 100% not be 1C. Your lineup doesn’t provide any real insight on what roles the team is or will try to fill. No offence meant. I’m not trying to insult. I jsut want to put across the reason why I compile the lineup as I did. It would be the same thing if I were to do the defence. It would show an empty hole at 1LD beside Eshkawkogan. It would have Ruml and Bewick at 2nd pair. Then a bunch of 3rd pair guys…. Great for depth but not great for results.

 

[NoQuit67s]

I’m not a fan of Spitznagel as an OA. That said, the volume of quality OAs is pretty weak now.

My two cents regarding Spitznagel.

There aren't a lot of quality OAs available and he is already signed.
He is big and fast and seemed to accept adapt to whatever role the coaching staff asked of him.

He only played half a season last year, and seemed to start getting better and coming into his own the last two weeks of the season; I don't think we have seen his ceiling yet. How high (or not) that will be is to be determined, but I think he is deserving of the chance. With the current lineup, I don't think he is stopping anyone's progress. Later in the season that may change and maybe he needs to be moved (like Dever last year), but for now lets see what he can do.

And I don't think we can judge what he did in the playoffs as a measuring stick. His line was asked to try to wear out the likes of Beaudoin, Hemming and Aitcheson, and that just wasn't going to happen.

 

[OMG67]

My two cents regarding Spitznagel.

There aren't a lot of quality OAs available and he is already signed.
He is big and fast and seemed to accept adapt to whatever role the coaching staff asked of him.

He only played half a season last year, and seemed to start getting better and coming into his own the last two weeks of the season; I don't think we have seen his ceiling yet. How high (or not) that will be is to be determined, but I think he is deserving of the chance. With the current lineup, I don't think he is stopping anyone's progress. Later in the season that may change and maybe he needs to be moved (like Dever last year), but for now lets see what he can do.

And I don't think we can judge what he did in the playoffs as a measuring stick. His line was asked to try to wear out the likes of Beaudoin, Hemming and Aitcheson, and that just wasn't going to happen.

I will say that he and Houben formed a really good line with McCue. They didn’t pot a lot of goals but they chipped in and formed a pretty potent 4th line. I could see them maybe popping Krawczyk on that line with them and they can play bottom 6 minutes effectively.

That leaves a line open for the rookies. Maybe Hayes centring Laurin and Coombes or Sheppard? Something like that depending on results of training camp.

That does tighten up the top 6. Whitehead and Bowes nail down the Left Side. Chitaroni and Ekberg nail down the right side. Just need the two centres….

It could work out well like this.

 

[44 95 plus tax]

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[NoQuit67s]

TRADE DETAILS
To Ottawa:
6th-round pick in the 2028 OHL Priority Selection (OSH)

To Brantford:
Rights to Chase Petrova (G)