Forward Nic Whitehead called slipping on the Ottawa 67’s jersey for that First time an “unreal feeling.”
Whitehead, who was born in Orlando, Florida, but grew up in the Ottawa area, enjoyed watching on television and rooting throughout the years for his beloved Ottawa 67’s, who coincidently enough would years later provide him with the ultimate thrill when in 2023 as a 16 -year-old, Whitehead was selected by the 67’s in the second round 23rd overall.
“To put on the barber poles jersey was just unreal,” Whitehead recalled about putting on the jersey for the first time. I felt blessed to be in that spot,” Reflecting on his rookie OHL season, which saw Whitehead produce two goals along with 10 points and 26 PIMs in 53 games, he commented, “I knew going to Ottawa that it was a development year. It’s a year to dip your toes in the water and understand the league more.”
Focusing on the present, Whitehead added, “This year is a lot different. I have something to prove. I learned a lot (in my rookie year) about the pro lifestyle of hockey, and I am grateful. I have more understanding in that it’s (OHL hockey) a lot faster and more structured. You have to stick to the playing system.”
The year before embarking on his OHL career, Whitehead dominated with the Mount St. Charles Acadamy 15U AAA program, where he made a big statement by producing 41 goals along with 83 points in 55 games played.
Shortly before getting drafted by the 67’s, OHL Central Scouting had lots of strong praise about Whitehead’s game. “Nicolas is a speedy centre that is always moving and putting pressure on the opposition. He is explosive off the mark and has a top gear that not many others his age do. He has a very good skill set that allows him to take on defenders one-on-one and create scoring chances. He is a smart player who makes good pass/shot decisions, especially on the power play, where he can draw defenders to him and make a good pass to set up a teammate. He is a good 200-foot player that works as hard in his own end as he does with the puck.”
So far, in 15 OHL games played this season, Whitehead has scored one goal along with nine points and four PIMs. This has him on pace for a much improved five goals and 41 points, along with 18 PIMs in 68 games played. Interestingly enough, Whitehead’s family carried the athletic gene. His mother was a professional soccer player while his father was a pro golfer, and his grandmother was a professional tennis player.
It was another sport which immediately caught Nic Whitehead’s attention, and that, of course, was hockey. “I was put in hockey when I was young and fell in love with it. I was 3 years old when I started. I have always been a Brayden Point fan. I try to emulate my game after him.”
Before hearing his name called at the OHL draft, Whitehead knew that he would be going to the 67’s, which thrilled him. “I knew right away that I was going to Ottawa, and it was just a matter of time when,” Whitehead said about when he would be selected.
“It’s crazy. I still think of it now (getting drafted by Ottawa). It was like Christmas morning. To put on the jersey is just unreal. I felt blessed to be in that spot.”
So far, it’s been a strong second season for Whitehead, who had strong praise for the coaching staff. “Teaching details, positional play, forechecking” are some of the details Whitehead mentioned about the different aspects taught by coach Dave Cameron.
“The excitement of playing and the fans are great,” Whitehead said about the highlights of playing for Ottawa. “For me, it’s a great feeling, and for my family as well.”
Photo: Courtesy @ottawa67s