Earlier today, the Ottawa 67's announced the signing of Ottawa native Thomas Vandenberg to an Ontario Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement. The 2008-born forward is part of what Ottawa fans hope will be a quick rebuild.
"Thomas is a swift skating centerman whose addition immediately improves our lineup," said 67's GM James Boyd. "We are pleased that Thomas has chosen the 67's to continue his development pathway."
Vandenberg was considered one of the top players in the Ottawa area prior to the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. He was by far the top scorer for Myers Automotive U-16 AAA that season. He led the team in goals with 24 and points with 43.
After being drafted, Vandenberg took his talents to the USHL, where he played for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. In the 55 games he played for Cedar Rapids, the young center tallied nine goals and nine assists.
Vandenberg is committed to Providence University. He earned the commitment after playing in the United States.
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He is the third signing the Ottawa 67's have announced since the end of their season. Over a month ago the team announced the signings of 2025 first-round pick Brock Chitaroni and 2024 tenth-round pick Jaxon Williams.
It is clear from these signings that Boyd is filling the 67's ranks with young talent. Ottawa struggled last season, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2013-14 season when they finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
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The 67's are likely to be a very different team next year. It seems likely they will lose team captain and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Luca Pinelli as well as long-time players Collin Mackenzie, Will Gerrior and St. Louis Blues prospect Matthew Mayich.
That will leave the team without three of its top-five scorers. Pinelli, Mayich and Gerrior accounted for 74 of the 203 goals Ottawa scored last season leaving the 67's with a third of their goals unaccounted for.
There will undoubtedly be plenty of opportunity for young players like Vandenberg to step into big minutes if they play well.
While Ottawa's rebuild is ongoing, Boyd has not wasted time when it comes to signing young talent. We will see whether this pays off when next season starts.