A Letter From GM James Boyd
Dear 67s Fans:
It is strange to be writing a note about the upcoming season when, by now, wed usually be more than a month into it. Typically, when the leaves start crunching under our feet, the players have returned from NHL camp, everyone is comfortably settled in at Blyth Academy, Universities and billet homes in Ottawa and our team is starting to gel.
The OHL announced today an updated timeline for their Return to Play plan. Under the new timelines, OHL Training Camps are scheduled to commence on Saturday, January 23 in preparation for the 2020-21 Regular Season that will feature a 40-game schedule running from Thursday, February 4 through Saturday, May 8.(Full OHL Press Release.)
You probably know that our coach, Andr Tourigny (The Bear), is Head Coach of the Canadian World Junior Team this year. Hell be inside a safety bubble in Edmonton with Team Canada and the competition throughout December running up to the championship final on January 5th. Two of our players, Graeme Clarke and Jack Quinn, are in the running for spots on the roster as is Equipment Manager Chris Hammy Hamilton. 67s Assistant GM and Director of Scouting Jan Egert will return in his role as Video Coach with the Swiss National Team in Edmonton. That is great representation for the 67s. We wish them the very best!
Over the last few months our players have been focusing on their training in their respective hometowns across the province. We have been in constant communication with them, providing support, encouragement, leadership training, and team-building exercises. The players are focused on getting back and their perseverance and dedication has been inspiring. We have received commitments from some of our young players and will look to make formal announcements in the days leading up to training camp. It is always a fun stage of the season to see those new players competing against our returning veterans.
Thank you for supporting the 67s through these crazy times. I promise you, when the puck finally drops, we will be ready, on the ice, in the stands, and on the concourses. We will prioritize health and safety, continuing our goal of assembling the best possible team to give you and your friends and family something to cheer about. Hopefully, you and yours are well and well soon be back at TD Place cheering-on the 67s.
See you soon.
James
