From the Basement to the Top of the OHL
Ottawa's own 67's capped the 2025 OHL regular season in stunning fashion, finishing first in the entire league after a start that had even the most loyal fans second-guessing what this team was capable of. It's the kind of hockey story that writes itself: a squad that stumbled early, regrouped, and then didn't just recover. They dominated.
The 67's journey through the 2025 season was anything but smooth. Early struggles tested the patience of the coaching staff and the fanbase alike. Goals were hard to come by, defensive lapses were costing points, and the standings painted a grim picture for a franchise that has always prided itself on contending.
Finding Their Footing
Somewhere along the way, something clicked. Whether it was lineup adjustments, a shift in team culture, or simply the young roster hitting its stride, the 67's began to play with a confidence that was impossible to ignore. Wins started stacking up. The power play sharpened. The goaltending steadied. The team that had looked so shaky in the early going began to look, well, like the best team in the OHL.
By the time the final standings were locked in, Ottawa sat at the very top, a testament to the team's ability to not just survive adversity but use it as fuel.
What It Means for Ottawa
For Ottawa hockey fans, this is more than just a regular-season title. The 67's are a deeply woven part of this city's sports identity. They've been playing at TD Place since 1967, and generations of Ottawa families have grown up cheering them on. A first-place finish doesn't just validate this year's roster. It reminds the city why junior hockey matters here.
Fans who braved the early-season slumps deserve enormous credit. The atmosphere at TD Place has been electric in the second half of the season, and that home-crowd energy has undoubtedly played a role in propelling the team forward.
Eyes on the Playoffs
Of course, in hockey, regular-season success only means so much. The real prize is the OHL championship, and ultimately, a shot at the Memorial Cup. The 67's will enter the playoffs as the team everyone else has to beat, which comes with its own set of pressures.
But if the second half of the 2025 season taught us anything, it's that this group knows how to respond when the stakes are highest. Ottawa has a team built for the moment, and the playoff run ahead promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Get your jerseys out, Ottawa, the 67's are rolling.
Source: Canadian Hockey League / Ottawa 67's official coverage
