How did the number of Ottawa 67's about to attend NHL camps grow from four to six?

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What kind of player is Dietsch?

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Drafted by the 67’s in the third round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, he played in just seven games as a rookie but has suited up for 112 over the past two seasons. He had four assists in 2024-25 and last season had two goals and 13 assists in 51 games.

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Dietsch has also shown he doesn’t shy away from the physical side of the game with 87 penalty minutes over his OHL career and he plans on being an even bigger figure of authority this season.

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“I just want to be more physical, more mean to play against, have more of a presence on the ice,” he said. “When I’m out there, I want guys to know it. Like, ‘oh, I’m playing against like Deech, he’s on the ice.’ That’s how I want to be.

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“I do believe I can do that. I have the size, I have the strength, so I feel like that can translate over to the pro game.”

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Dietsch, of course, also aims to improve is overall game at both ends of the ice.

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“I want to get a little more confident with the puck and be able to make smarter and more efficient plays,” he said. “That’s a goal of mine. To make more things happen when the puck’s on my stick. But then I also, as a defensive D man, I want to be really elite at breaking pucks out.”

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As a veteran, he wants to take on a leadership role with the 67’s.

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“I feel more confident,” he said. “In my head, I’m thinking, ‘Hey, I’m a fourth-year guy. I’ve been in the league. I’ve got experience. I know how things work.’ So I use that to my advantage and just play smarter and with more confidence.”

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What does Whitehead bring to a team?

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What he lacks in size, he generally makes up for in talent.

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Whitehead finished tied for second in team goal-scoring last season while showing off his playmaking skills with 38 assists to give him 63 points in 64 games. He also had a plus-36 rating.

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In 182 OHL games, he has 36 goals and 69 assists for 105 points.

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“I want to be a leader,” Whitehead said of his goals for this coming season. “On the offensive side of things, I really want to produce, and obviously in the D zone, I want to be responsible and reliable.”

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To bulk up, Whitehead — who was Ottawa’s second-round pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection — spent part of the offseason with his uncle Tim Green, a former football player with football-playing sons.

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“I really want to improve my physical part of the game,” he said, while also realizing that players of smaller stature can have success at the pro level. “I grew up in Florida, so I got to see Marty St. Louis play a lot when he was in Tampa. He was an amazing player.

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“Obviously, you just look at all the smaller guys in the league. You look at Cole Caulfield, you look at Logan Stankoven, who’s bulkier, but he’s a great player.

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“Size doesn’t really matter, it‘s just how you play.”

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Whitehead said his dad, Jeff, has provided incredible support throughout his career. His grandfather Peter, who lives in Perth, never misses a 67’s home game and his entire family was excited when he received the call from the Leafs.

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“You’re going to feel nervous,” he said of approaching the audition. “If you’re a competitor, you’re going to feel nervous, but you can’t let that take you off your game. They’re exciting nerves. I’m going to play my game.

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“This isn’t in a cocky way, but you’re there for a reason. So yeah, it’s just nothing but excitement.”

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When do the 67’s open their OHL season?

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League play begins on Sept. 17, with the Kingston Frontenacs in Peterborough to face the Petes.

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The 67’s open in Kingston on Sept. 20 and play in Peterborough on Sept. 26, before their first home game on Sunday Sept. 27, against the Sarnia Sting.

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