Training camp is still a few months away, but the Ottawa 67's were back on the ice this weekend. To be specific, the club's rookies and prospects were on the ice as the club hosted its annual Development Camp. Split into two teams, the 67's draft picks from the last couple years, as well as a couple familiar faces, played a pair of intersquad games, got a tour of the TD Place facilities and even took in a Fury FC game.
Saturday also marked the first time 2017 first-round draft pick Graeme Clarke skated as a member of the 67's. The 16-year-old didn't disappoint, with his (unofficial) first goal as a Barber Pole coming on a penalty shot , below, during camp's first scrimmage.
“I want to go in there and perform well but I’m still going to play my game and not try to do too much ... I really just want to keep showing them what I can do." - Graeme Clarke, 2017 first-round pick, 6th overall
The 67's crop of 2017 draft picks were on hand for camp, along with some 2016 picks and a couple returning players coming off successful rookie campaigns, defencemen Carter Robertson, below left, and Kevin Bahl.
Development Camp ran all weekend, under the watchful eye of a very experienced scouting crew. Yes, that's the legendary Brian Kilrea up there keeping tabs on everything going on on the ice.
“It's an orientation camp, not a tryout ... but make no mistake about it, we want them to come in and compete and we want to let them know what the environment, expectations, and standards are around here." - Mike Eastwood, 67's Associate Coach
Ottawa native Sam Bitten, above will look to take the next step in his OHL career this season after suiting up for 14 regular season games and three in the playoffs for the Barber Poles last year.
67's goalie and 2017 draft pick Creed Jones, above, split goaltending duties for Team Red with Cedric Andree.
Development Camp is also a chance for parents to meet the staff, tour the facilities and get to know the program.
“We’re going to let the players and parents get to know everything we have to offer ... They’ll learn where the kids will go to school, about billet families and we can give them more about what to expect." - 67's Associate Coach Mike Eastwood
The 2017-18 OHL season is just around the corner. Follow the 67's on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as Ottawa67s.com for the latest updates.
Photos by Chris Hofley (chofley@oseg.ca / @HofOnSports)