By: Carson Phillips
Earlier this yr, Ottawa 67’s goaltender Jaeden Nelson joined the My Hockey Hero podcast (accessible on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music) for a dialog with Dean Barnes about his journey from minor to junior hockey, the affect of his Ghanaian roots and older brother, and what it means to characterize his hometown membership within the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, and raised in its surrounding suburbs, Nelson’s early publicity to hockey was opportune. The household lived only a brief distance from the Ottawa Senators’ residence area, a proximity that piqued his father’s curiosity within the sport. His father, an immigrant from Ghana, like his mom, rapidly grew to become a fan, and that curiosity trickled right down to Jaeden’s older brother, who grew to become the primary within the household to lace up a pair of skates.
“I seemed as much as [my brother] in each manner,” acknowledged Jaeden, who has posted a 4-3-0 file with a 2.30 goals-against common and a .909 save proportion by means of seven begins up to now within the 2025-26 season. “If he performed, I needed to play too.”
Following in his brother’s footsteps, Jaeden discovered to skate at round 5 years outdated, and by six, he had joined an area youth hockey program. Whereas most children shied away from taking turns in web, Nelson embraced the problem – wanting to strap on the pads and make the place his personal.
“My older brother wanted somebody to shoot pucks at, so he’d stick me within the web, and I sort of fell in love with it. I can’t actually see myself doing the rest.”
His ardour for goaltending was additional ignited as a child watching future Hockey Corridor of Famer Marc-André Fleury, who starred for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) earlier than launching his legendary NHL profession. “I credit score [Fleury] being the primary goaltender that I took a liking to. I’d say he’s my day one idol, and the man who bought me into hockey.”
Nelson’s first crew was with the Kanata Minor Hockey Affiliation. In contrast to many younger gamers who dreaded being caught within the crease, Jaeden eagerly anticipated each likelihood he bought. In his second Novice season, he earned the beginning function, deepening his ardour for goaltending. Then, in his first Atom season, Nelson gained a confidence increase when he made the “rep crew” — the primary actual milestone in a profession that was starting to achieve momentum.
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Coaches and oldsters acknowledged his uncooked expertise early on. Extra importantly, they noticed a piece ethic and perspective that matched it. As Nelson superior by means of the ranks of minor hockey, he started to grasp the truth of taking part in at the next degree. At age 15 — his OHL Draft yr — Nelson made a tough determination, transferring away from residence for the primary time to pursue his dream.
“That’s a really arduous factor to do,” he admits. Nelson discovered himself in Toronto, becoming a member of the Marlboros Hockey Membership (AAA) of the GTHL. Regardless of the problem, he cherished the expertise, highlighting his love for the crew, his teammates, and his billet household who helped make Toronto really feel like residence.
Ultimately, it was a sacrifice that paid off. After only one season with the Marlboros, Jaeden Nelson was drafted within the 4th spherical of the OHL Precedence Choice by none aside from his hometown Ottawa 67’s. “I’m very grateful for that,” Nelson famous.
However his CHL debut wasn’t fast. He started the 2023–24 season with the Navan Grads (CCHL, Junior A), the place he honed his sport till an sudden alternative arose. Mid-season accidents compelled the 67’s to name him up, and on New 12 months’s Day 2024, Nelson lastly bought his first style of CHL motion when he was known as upon to start out the third interval. Only a month later, he earned his first OHL begin.
“It was a reasonably sturdy sport and an extended shootout, however we misplaced,” Nelson recalled. Regardless of the end result, he remembers the joy of the second and the overwhelming assist he obtained from his teammates and coaches.
When requested about his career-defining second up to now, Nelson factors to his first CHL win — a sport the place he drew on previous experiences to remain composed beneath stress. With the rating tied 3–3 heading into additional time, he flashed again to his first begin and informed himself, “I’m going to do no matter it takes to get this primary win.” His dedication paid off, serving to safe each his first profession victory and two helpful factors for the 67’s.
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Reflecting on how the CHL has formed him each on and off the ice, Nelson credit the excessive degree of competitors for maintaining him sharp and pushing him to enhance. However past the rink, taking part in for his hometown crew has strengthened his connection to the group. Dwelling at residence has allowed him to remain grounded, and taking part in group occasions has deepened his appreciation for the assist he receives from native followers.
Nelson additionally attracts inspiration from trailblazers who got here earlier than him — significantly Black and biracial NHL goaltenders. He mentions Fred Brathwaite (Oshawa Generals / OHL), whom he’s met across the rink throughout coaching camp, and Jet Greaves, a Barrie Colts (OHL) alumnus. Seeing their success and realizing he’s following the same path fuels his motivation to succeed in the following degree. “It jogs my memory that I can all the time obtain what I need to obtain,” he says.
Jaeden additionally credit his goaltending associate from the 2024-25 season, Colin McKenzie, for his fixed steerage and encouragement. “We’re one another’s greatest hype males,” Nelson stated. “I credit score lots of my success to him for being certainly one of my greatest followers and supporters.”
Although the CHL’s schedule, journey, and degree of competitors deliver new challenges, Nelson embraces them wholeheartedly. He is aware of this path isn’t meant to be simple — and he wouldn’t have it another manner.
His selflessness stands out simply as a lot as his expertise. Whether or not backing up or beginning, Nelson stays absolutely dedicated to his crew. “I’ll do no matter it takes to assist my crew and provides us the perfect shot,” he says.
In the direction of the tip of the interview, Nelson provides a bit of recommendation to youthful minority gamers: “Be captivated with one thing, after which go for it. That’s actually it,” he provides. “No matter you do, simply work your absolute hardest and see the place that takes you.”
As a part of the CHL’s continued efforts to advertise variety and inclusion within the sport of hockey, the CHL together with its Member Leagues (Western Hockey League / WHL, Ontario Hockey League / OHL, and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League / QMJHL) are working alongside Dean Barnes and his My Hockey Hero podcast (accessible on all main podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music) to inform tales of Indigenous and racialized gamers as a manner to assist expose extra followers to the rising affect that individuals of color are having on the sport of hockey.
To view clips from numerous episodes and visitors on the My Hockey Hero Podcast, remember to take a look at the podcast on Instagram @myhockeyhero_. To see a number of the distinctive hockey playing cards present in Barnes’ in depth assortment, remember to comply with @diversityhockeycards on Instagram. You can too go to MyHockeyHero.com for extra about Dean Barnes, the MyHockeyHero podcast, and extra.
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