Goaltender Jaeden Nelson Makes OHL Debut for Ottawa 67's

Unfortunately the 67's lost 4-3 in a shootout, but goaltender Jaeden Nelson had a successful showing in goal for his first OHL start.

2007-born goaltender Jaeden Nelson got the call — he was starting his first career OHL game on Friday, February 2nd against the Sarnia Sting. 

The Ottawa 67's 4th round pick in 2023 was able to keep his nerves low and put up a solid performance between the pipes in his first game. Unfortunately the 67's took a 4-3 loss in an eleven-round shootout, but this was a successful first showing for the young goaltender. 

The 67's have been struggling recently despite having a top tier team on-paper, and having a young goaltender get his first OHL start can sometimes turn the tides. They got the loss in this game against the Sting, but the 67's outshot their opponents and had some dangerous chances offensively. Discipline was their biggest issue in this game, as Sarnia capitalized on two-of-six power play opportunities.

Nonetheless, Jaeden Nelson stopped 21 out of 24 shots in his first appearance — a solid showing for a 2007-born rookie goaltender.

Oftentimes goaltenders don't make their first OHL start until their second or third seasons of junior. Very few 2007-born goaltenders have made their debut this season, but Nelson has now been added to that list. 

Nelson's been putting up outstanding numbers in the CCHL with the Navan Grads. He has 29 starts, a 2.78 GAA, and a .914% save percentage as a rookie in a top Junior A league.

I wouldn't be surprised if Ottawa turns to Nelson more often down the stretch as we near the playoffs. They were forced to trade Max Donoso at the trade deadline, and now Nelson is their third-string netminder behind Collin MacKenzie & Ian Michelone.