The OSEG Communications Department and the Ottawa 67's hosted four junior journalists at last weekend's game against Kingston. The special behind-the-scenes opportunity was the 47th installment of the 67's 50 for 50 Acts of Kindness campaign, which has been ongoing through the season in honour of the club's 50th anniversary.
They also got an up-close look at the players coming onto the ice.
PA announcer Dan Mooney even brought them into his "office" and gave the group a little taste of what he does behind the microphone.
Like any good reporter, the junior journalists went straight to the boss with the tough questions when GM James Boyd stopped by for a chat.
Following the game, the group watch the media scrum 67's head coach Andre Tourigny before turning the spotlight on forward Kody Clark for a few questions.
It wasn't all fun and games, though. There was still work to be done, with each of the junior journalists submitting a recap of their experience. Here's what they wrote...
Last night’s game was an amazing, action packed game. The first period was a fast one with #29 Tye Felhaber scoring the only goal that period. The second period was crazy with two goals. Unfortunately one of those saw Kingston on the board. But props to #4 Quinn Youle for getting Ottawa’s second of the game. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, the third period was action packed with an outstanding five goals! Ottawa saw two of those five in the back of the net. With points going to #19 Travis Barron and another beauty for #4 Quinn Youle, but it was Kingston with three goals to take us into the over time.
In the OT it was a questionable call by the ref that left our Ottawa 67s to a 3 on 4 battle. They fought hard but just couldn’t keep Kingston out of the zone. Kingston scored to win the game 5-4.
It was a fun afternoon with Riley keeping the crowd in stitches, or should I say stripes! I can’t wait to see our Ottawa 67’s in all the playoff action!
BY: OWEN
Le samedi 10 mars, les 67 d'Ottawa ont disputé leur 64e match de la saison. Avec la fin de la saison qui approche, il est un moment crucial pour Ottawa de prendre de l'élan pour les séries éliminatoires. Avec une défaite du 9 mars contre Kingston, ils voulaient se venger.
Au cours de la première période, Ottawa a écopé de deux pénalités: Keating pour l'accrochage et Hoefenmayer interférence. Le seul but était de Felhaber avec des mentions d'aide de Chmelevski et Wilson pour donner une avance de 1-0 à Ottawa.
Dans la deuxième période chaque équipe a eu une pénalité. Crandford a écopé d'une pénalité pour avoir trébucher pour Kingston et Kody Clark, une pénalité pour accrochage pour Ottawa. Pendant le penalty de Clark, Quinn Yule a marqué un but avec l'aide de Wilson. Vilardi a marqué un but pour Kingston avec des mentions d'aide de Brahaney et Pu pour terminer la deuxième période 2-1 pour Ottawa.
15 secondes dans la troisième période, Travis Barron a marqué un but de déviation avec des mentions d'aide de Wilson et Felhaber pour Ottawa. Après que Barron ait eu une pénalité de rudesse, Vilardi a marqué un but en avantage numérique pour Kingston. Barron a quitté le match pour une raison inconnue après sa pénalité. Quinn Yule a marqué un but de rebond pour Ottawa pour porter le score à 4-2 à Ottawa. À la fin de la troisième période, Kingston a marqué deux autres buts pour égaliser le match 4-4 pour aller en prolongation.
En prolongation, les 67 ont reçu une pénalité mal chanceuse pour Felhaber pour avoir fait trébucher, donnant à Robertson une chance de marquer le but gagnant pour Kingston mettant fin au match 5-4.
BY: JOSHUA
During my behind the scenes look at the 67’s with Greg Amiel and Chris Hofley, I got to see some really cool stuff and I learned so much.
We got to see the locker room, the medical room, the lounge and a TV booth where I saw Ed Hand (play by play announcer). I met some other really cool people like KJ (entertainment), Mike (social media), Alyssa (cheerleader), Val (photographer), Dan (announcer), and Tyler (broadcast interviewer). Tyler gave us a great piece of advice that is good for a broadcaster, or for life in general, “Be positive with every situation”.
I also enjoyed watching the hockey game with the three other contest winners. 14 minutes into the first period of the game, #29 – Tye Felhaber, scored the first goal. Kingston scored first in the 2nd period and then #4 – Quinn Yule scored our 2nd goal with 1 minute and 39 seconds left in the 2nd period. #19 - Travis Barron scored for us early in the 3rd period and Kingston scored again. Quinn Yule scored his 2nd goal of the game in the 3rd period but Kington was able to tie it up and take us into overtime.
The Ottawa 67’s unfortunately lost in overtime with a final score of 5-4. My favourite part of my experience was seeing the locker room and I really hope someday my little sister might get to see all the cool things I got to see. Thank you for choosing me to be a part of the behind the scenes look, I had a wonderful time!
BY: SAVANNAH
On Saturday, March 10th, I attended an Ottawa 67's game as one of the four lucky winners chosen to be a junior journalist. I met almost all of the members of the 67's media and I learned a lot about being a journalist, especially to always be positive. I got to meet Kody Clark, Shaw Boomhower and the Coach André Tourigny. The 2017/2018 season is the 67's 50th anniversary. For the anniversary the 67's are doing 50 acts of kindness, I got to be a part of the 47th. I had great time at the game, unfortunately the 67's lost in OT 5-4. I look forward to my next 67's game. Go 67's Go!
BY: PAYTON
For more on the Ottawa 67's 50 for 50 Campaign, click here. Want to be at the game Sunday as the 67's gear up for the playoffs with their regular season finale against North Bay (2 p.m.)? Click here to buy tickets. You can also buy your 2018 playoff tickets here.
Photos by Chris Hofley - chofley@oseg.ca