Ryder Fetterolf's Historic Numbers Fuel Debate About Ottawa 67's Goaltending Legacy
The statistics alone paint a compelling picture: Ottawa 67's goaltender Ryder Fetterolf is authoring one of the most remarkable seasons in Ontario Hockey League history. With the OHL's best save percentage and an almost unbelievable goals-against average, the 18-year-old netminder has sparked serious discussion about whether he might be on track to become the greatest goalie in the storied franchise's history.
Unprecedented Statistical Dominance
Fetterolf's numbers this season are nothing short of extraordinary. The second-year Ottawa product has posted a 21-4-1 record while leading the league with a .926 save percentage and a microscopic 1.94 goals-against average. In the high-scoring world of junior hockey, such defensive numbers are virtually unheard of and place Fetterolf in rarefied air among OHL goaltenders.
What makes his performance even more impressive is the context: the Ottawa 67's currently sit tied atop the OHL's overall standings and have climbed to No. 6 in the Canadian Hockey League rankings despite lacking a Top 20 scorer. The team's success has been built on balanced scoring, hard work, and complete buy-in to coach Dave Cameron's system, with Fetterolf's goaltending providing the foundation for their championship aspirations.
Historical Comparisons to 67's Legends
When examining Fetterolf's place in franchise history, his statistical achievements stand out dramatically against those of previous Ottawa 67's goaltending greats. The next-best goals-against average by a 67's puck stopper belongs to Dan Ryder, who posted a 2.39 mark over 24 games during the 1991-92 season.
Other notable franchise goaltenders include:
- Levente Szuper: Memorial Cup winner with a 2.47 GAA and .922 save percentage over 85 games from 1998-2000
- Seamus Kotyk: Szuper's championship partner with a 2.69 GAA and .911 save percentage over 153 games from 1997-2001
- Petr Mrazek: Posted a 2.84 GAA and .919 save percentage over 102 games from 2009-2012
- Craig Hillier: First-round NHL draft pick with 80 wins and a 2.83 GAA over 150 games from 1994-1998
Even legendary figures from earlier eras pale in statistical comparison to Fetterolf's current season. Michel 'Bunny' Larocque, selected sixth overall by Montreal in 1972, never posted a GAA better than 3.39 during his four seasons with the 67's. Darren Pang, who backstopped the team to their first Memorial Cup in 1984 before becoming the Chicago Blackhawks' starting goaltender, recorded a 3.03 GAA over 43 games with Ottawa.
Scouting Recognition and Future Prospects
Despite his statistical dominance, Fetterolf's journey to this point has been unconventional. The Pittsburgh native earned his spot with the 67's as an undrafted free-agent training camp walk-on, making his current success all the more remarkable. His strong work ethic, focus, and technical skills have earned him praise from scouts, with Central Scouting ranking him 16th on their mid-term list for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
Some observers believe Fetterolf isn't receiving the public recognition his performance deserves, particularly given that he forms part of what many consider the top goaltending tandem in Canadian junior hockey alongside Jaedon Nelson, who is also having an outstanding season.
As the season progresses and the 67's continue their push for championship glory, all eyes will be on Fetterolf to see if he can maintain his historic pace. Whether he ultimately claims the title of greatest goaltender in Ottawa 67's history remains to be determined, but his current trajectory suggests he's writing a compelling chapter in the franchise's rich goaltending legacy.
