Jaeden Nelson's stellar play lifts Ottawa 67s to strong OHL season start
The 19-year-old Nepean goaltender has won OHL goaltender of the week twice in his first eight games this season, posting a 5-1-2 record and leading the 67s to the East Division's top tier.
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Jaeden Nelson, the 19-year-old Nepean goaltender for the Ottawa 67s, was named the Ontario Hockey League's goaltender of the week for the second consecutive week on October 15. Nelson posted a 1.59 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage while helping Ottawa earn five of a possible six points on a three-game road trip.
Following a 2-1 overtime loss in Niagara, Nelson made 36 saves in a 3-0 shutout win in Erie on Saturday, then stopped 41 shots and handled two shootout attempts for a 4-3 victory in Brampton less than 24 hours later. His season record to date stands at 5-1-2, with a 2.28 goals-against average and .925 save percentage.
Nelson has the inscription "Be Best" on the back of his mask, taken from a chapter in Ryan Holiday's book "Discipline is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control," which he read two summers ago. "It's just something that reminds me every day to put my best foot forward, no matter how I feel," Nelson said. "Everything that I do, I'm just trying to do the absolute best that I can."
Nelson spent last season as the backup to Ryder Fetterolf, a training camp walk-on from Pittsburgh who won the Canadian Hockey League goaltender of the year award before departing to play for Penn State in the NCAA. This season, Nelson has played all but 17 minutes of the 67s' first eight games.
67s goalie coach Andrew Mercer credited Nelson's preparation and fitness heading into the season. "He showed up at this year's camp in absolutely fantastic shape," Mercer said. "He's much quicker on his feet, gets to position quicker, he has more balance, and he's able to sustain himself with the workload and practice much more." Mercer noted Nelson's standout play from Christmas onward last season set the stage for this year's success.
As of October 15, Ottawa held a 5-1-2 record, tied for second in the East Division and tied for fourth overall. The 67s face Brampton at a neutral site in Cornwall on Friday, then host Oshawa at TD Place on Saturday at 7 p.m.
At a glance
Who is the Ottawa 67s' starting goaltender this season?
Jaeden Nelson, a 19-year-old from Nepean, is the starting goaltender for the Ottawa 67s. He has played all but 17 minutes of the team's first eight games this season.
When did Jaeden Nelson win goaltender of the week?
Jaeden Nelson was named the Ontario Hockey League's goaltender of the week for the second consecutive week on October 15, 2026.
What is Jaeden Nelson's record and stats this season?
Nelson's season record stands at 5-1-2, with a 2.28 goals-against average and .925 save percentage. During his most recent week, he posted a 1.59 goals-against average and .950 save percentage.
What are the Ottawa 67s' upcoming games?
The 67s face Brampton at a neutral site in Cornwall on Friday, October 16, 2026, then host Oshawa at TD Place on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 7 p.m.
