Ottawa 67's Poised to Build on Stunning 2025-26 Season and Challenge Again in OHL
In a remarkable turnaround that defied all early predictions, the Ottawa 67's transformed from pre-season underdogs into one of the Ontario Hockey League's elite teams during the 2025-26 campaign. Now, with the foundation firmly established, the organization is setting its sights on replicating—and potentially surpassing—that success in the upcoming season.
Defying Expectations with Defensive Dominance
When pre-season rankings were released, the Ottawa 67's found themselves languishing at 19th place in the 20-team league. Few analysts gave them a chance to compete seriously. However, the team quickly silenced doubters by executing a hockey version of a prevent defence, focusing intensely on limiting opposition scoring opportunities.
This strategic emphasis paid extraordinary dividends. The 67's finished as one of only three teams in the entire OHL to record 100 points during the regular season. Even more impressively, they allowed just 160 goals against—the second-fewest in the entire Canadian Hockey League, a testament to their defensive structure and goaltending excellence.
The Goaltending Conundrum: Fetterolf's Future Decision
Much of Ottawa's success can be attributed to the outstanding performance of rookie goaltender Ryder Fetterolf. The 18-year-old Pennsylvanian was recognized as the OHL's top goaltender, receiving the prestigious Jim Rutherford Trophy on April 17, just before the team's elimination in the Eastern Conference semi-finals by the Barrie Colts.
Fetterolf led the league in several critical statistical categories:
- Goals-against average
- Save percentage
- Shutouts
Despite his commitment to Penn State University for the 2026-27 academic year, Fetterolf has left the door open for a potential return to the 67's. "I don't want to set anything in stone yet," he explained during the team's locker cleanout at TD Place. "I'm going to have a good off-season and understand where I'm at. I don't want to rush my development at all. They're two great options. I don't think I can really go wrong either way."
The young netminder plans to engage in extensive discussions with Penn State officials, his agent, and family members before making a final decision about his immediate hockey future. "I'm thankful for everything I had here this year," Fetterolf reflected. "If it is the only year, it was an amazing year. I had a lot of fun."
Nelson's Readiness to Step Up
Should Fetterolf pursue the collegiate route, the 67's goaltending duties would fall primarily to Jaeden Nelson, a Nepean product who just turned 19. Despite playing a supporting role this season, Nelson established himself as one of the OHL's most reliable backups, ranking third in the league with a 2.33 goals-against average, .915 save percentage, and an 18-6-1 record.
Nelson, who appeared in 33 games for Ottawa during the 2024-25 season, believes he demonstrated "consistent growth" despite receiving fewer starts this year. "I had to accept more of a support role on the team, but I was thankful for every opportunity," he acknowledged. "There are two ways you can look at anything that comes your way, and I think the way I was able to be mature about things and just receptive to any kind of opportunity, it allowed me to be consistent in my good habits and growth."
The young goaltender maintains a professional perspective regarding Fetterolf's potential return. "If he's back and we're in a battle for the crease again, that'll be what that'll be," Nelson stated pragmatically. "If he's moving on to whatever's next, then that is what it is."
Regardless of the outcome, Nelson has clear ambitions for the coming season. "Nothing really changes for me going into next year. I want to be the starting goalie on this team. I want to come in and earn that job. It's not something that I want handed to me. After this year, working as hard as I did, and being in the situation I was in, I think I'm ready. I want to be a guy that teammates and coaches can lean on to win a lot of games."
Building Toward Future Success
The Ottawa 67's organization finds itself in an enviable position heading into the off-season. The team has proven it can compete with the OHL's best, and the goaltending position appears secure regardless of Fetterolf's decision. The defensive system that served them so well this season remains intact, providing a solid foundation for continued competitiveness.
As the players disperse for the summer, management will undoubtedly be working to strengthen other areas of the roster while awaiting Fetterolf's final decision. One thing remains certain: after their surprising 2025-26 campaign, the Ottawa 67's have transformed from league afterthoughts to legitimate contenders, and they appear determined to build upon that hard-earned status in the seasons to come.
