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Algonquin College hosts annual student tax clinic

Business and finance students volunteer to help lower-income students file their taxes

Rory Haley

Photos: Rory Haley

April 9, 2026
Revised: April 9, 2026 1:30pm

Photo: Rory Haley

A volunteer helps a student file her taxes at the Algonquin College tax clinic in the CA-building on April 7.

Algonquin College has been offering free tax filing services to students who have simple tax situations.

The tax clinic can be found in C-building and has already hosted four sessions this week. The next clinic is on April 10, running from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Shawn Sutton, professor in the financial services program and organizer of the event, encouraged all students to come to the clinic and get their taxes done for free.

“It’s a fantastic event. Students could get their tax return done for free by other students who are working on their degree,” he said. “They’ll get all their benefits that they’re entitled to under the Income Tax Act.”

Outside of Algonquin College's tax service clinic in the CA-Building on April 7. — Outside of Algonquin College's tax service clinic in the CA-building on April 7. Photo credit: Rory Haley

The volunteers are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, which hosts tax services country-wide. According to the CRA, over 6,000 volunteers helped over 280,000 individuals file their taxes through the 1,240 CVTIP clinics across Ontario in 2025.

The Algonquin College tax clinic has 31 student volunteers: 22 from the financial services program and nine from the business accounting program.

Aum Patel, a fourth-level financial services student and event volunteer, says he volunteered for the Algonquin College tax clinic to help others while gaining his own working experience.

“This is a safe environment for us where we can practice our skills and we can also help people which are not capable,” he said.

Aum Patel, a fourth-level financial services student, volunteers at Algonquin College's free tax clinic on April 7. Photo credit: Rory Haley

Free financial and tax clinics help low-income populations secure benefits, rebates and tax returns, assisting clients to ensure they get the maximum amount of their money back.

Students are among those who struggle most with the cost of living and the government aims to provide relief for this crisis by giving different financial benefits to people who file their taxes before the April 30 deadline. These deductions help to support taxpayers by providing financial relief for costs like groceries, tuition or housing.

One of these benefits referenced by Patel was the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), which will allow eligible taxpayers to receive a payment from the government to provide relief from rising food costs.

“When you pay your school fees, the federal government will tell you that you do not have to pay any taxes on the amount you have paid with your fees,” Patel said. “So you can come in, come to us with your tuition fee receipt and we will add it to your tax return.”

Another benefit for students is the Ontario Trillium Benefit, which provides eligible taxpayers with payment to help with living costs, property tax and sales tax, typically monthly.

Algonquin College students who are Quebec residents, self-employed, business owners or individuals with foreign property or income are unable to participate in the Free Student Tax Clinic.

More information on the tax clinics is available on the college’s website.

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Rory Haley

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Workshop helps students get through procrastination at stressful point in the term

The AC Hub and Organization'elle held a workshop on a Monday afternoon aiming to give students the tools they need to take control of their lives

Owen Riendeau

Photos: Owen Riendeau

April 9, 2026
Revised: April 9, 2026 10:34am

Photo: Owen Riendeau

Life coach Syed Hassan speaking to students at Algonquin College on March 30.

The AC Hub hosted a workshop on March 30 in collaboration with Organization’elle in an effort to help students better manage time and stress.

Algonquin College students are in a stressful portion of the year. Student are anxious about approaching exams and there is growing uncertainty surrounding recent program cuts.

In response, the AC Hub hosted a student workshop in collaboration with Organization’elle, a company that offers a wide variety of coaching services.

The workshop focused on useful tips like how to prioritize tasks, set up structured study blocks and balance school and personal duties. The goal was to give students the tools they need to deal with the stress of upcoming exams and entering the professional world.

“As a previous student, I know the struggles that I had trying to organize my life as a student and trying to figure out how to navigate procrastination and stress,” said Algonquin College event officer Reanne Richards. “So I thought that having some people who actually know how to deal with it and have experience and have tips and tricks might be helpful, because I know I would have loved that when I was a student.”

The AC Hub March 30. — The AC Hub on March 30. Photo credit: Owen Riendeau

On top of exams, the recent Board of Governors’ decision to cut 30 programs ahead of the fall 2026 semester has left a number of students feeling uneasy.

Considering this, the time management workshop can be seen a benefit for students at a crucial time. Professional organizer Charlie Hassan and life coach Syed Hassan emphasized strategies like dividing large tasks into smaller ones, using digital planning tools and making time for breaks in order to avoid burnout.

Life coach Hassan said students shouldn’t feel discouraged by things that are out of their control, and things like program changes are unavoidable in the educational sector.

“So anytime something like this happens, students should not take it too hard, and should not feel that it’s them who are responsible, or they had anything to do with it,” said Syed Hassan. “What they need to focus on is their lives and what they’re trying to achieve and what they’re trying to accomplish.”

For now, students have to deal with both educational demands and ongoing concerns regarding the future, one schedule and one study session at a time.

Life coach Hassan said “there’s a better opportunity and a better door waiting to be opened up.”

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Owen Riendeau

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Round 2 preview: Ottawa 67’s are ready for Barrie

The 67's gear up for the Colts in the second round of the OHL playoffs and the challenge grows

Scott Crowell

Photos: Ottawa 67's Youtube

April 9, 2026
Revised: April 9, 2026 9:50am

Photo: Ottawa 67's Youtube

Ottawa 67's defeat Barrie Colts on March 12, 2026 at Sadlon Arena in overtime.

As the Ottawa 67’s moved on to Round 2 of the Ontario Hockey League playoffs, they awaited an opponent which they anticipated: the Barrie Colts.

Like Ottawa’s series with Kingston, the Round 2 series against Barrie is a long-awaited playoff match-up. This is the first playoff series between the two teams in 21 years.

The two teams have only faced off twice dating back to 1997. Ottawa is 2-0 in playoff series against Barrie.

Despite being in the same conference for decades, they rarely meet in the playoffs. This is a rare but exciting, and a very even, match-up.

Both teams have future NHL talent and have top-end prospects. There are players that can make or break a playoff series in the OHL.

Ottawa split the regular season series with Barrie going 2-2 in the four games played against the Colts. Both of Ottawa’s wins in the regular season came in Barrie, which is where Ottawa will kick off the series for Game 1 on Thursday.

Barrie has top-end talent including some soon-to-be NHL talent likely in their last years of junior hockey. Cole Beaudoin (Utah), Kashawn Aitcheson (New York Islanders) and Emil Hemming (Dallas) are among the Barrie players who are first-round picks and hard to play against. They will cause Ottawa some serious trouble throughout the series.

Themes to watch in the series

The teams are different when it comes to the type of systems their respective coaches run. Tempo will be a very big factor in this series. Ottawa’s tempo tends to be controlled and more structured over a full 60-minute game.

Barrie has more of a team tempo that thrives on the open ice, a natural zone trap and forcing of turnovers that lead to quick counterattacks. They are a team that likes to strike quick and eat you alive if you make a mistake.

Special teams will be another theme to watch, Barrie scored nine power-play goals in their first-round series against Niagara on just 16 power-plays and went 71.43 per cent on the penalty kill. Ottawa needs to stay out of the box in this series; penalties have been a problem with 17 in the first round.

Players to watch in this series

For the Ottawa 67’s, it will be veteran Nic Sima. Sima has been in this position before and has gained playoff experience. Against a team of Barrie’s calibre, Sima will be a guy to keep a close eye on for production and veteran leadership.

For the second straight series, the 67’s will face-off against a former player. Brad Gardiner was with the 67’s from 2021 to 2024 before being moved to Barrie in the 2024-25 season. A former longtime Ottawa 67 facing his former team with even more pressure on him, Gardiner is the player to watch for Barrie.

Ottawa will kick off Game 1 of the series on Thursday at Sadlon Arena in Barrie. Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday in Barrie.

The 67’s will return to the nation’s capital on April 14, and April 16, for Games 3 and 4 with the hope of a lead or split the series.

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Scott Crowell

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Students spike, lob and rally during winter badminton tournament

Badminton enthusiasts exchanged stress for smiles as they leave it all on the court

Nylah Henry

Photos: Nylah Henry

April 8, 2026
Revised: April 8, 2026 11:03am

Photo: Nylah Henry

Mercedes Veninga (left) and Mallory Armstrong(right), taking a break from the gruelling competition.

The Algonquin Students’ Association hosted its winter badminton tournament on March 30 in the rec gym inside the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.

The tournament, which ran from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., cost $15 per team. The tournament was open to any student or staff member, whether a seasoned pro or a casual player looking for some friendly competition.

“I usually play during open time, so I thought this would also be a fun and exciting experience,” said Mallory Armstrong, a student in the business marketing program.

“It’s always nice to meet new people, and I really enjoy the friendly competition.”

With exams slowly approaching, the tournament offered a reminder to students that sometimes the best way to recharge and reset is to get their bodies moving and socializing with fellow students.

Mercedes Veninga, a student in the bachelor of event, sport and entertainment management program, said she’s surprised that there wasn’t more of a turnout with only about 10 students in attendance.

“Badminton is such an adaptable sport, so even if you’ve never played before, it’s an easy and fun sport to learn. It also never hurts to try something new and move out of your comfort zone; you never know where it could lead,” said Veninga.

For future events hosted by the SA, visit: https://www.algonquinsa.com.

Sports & Recreation

Nylah Henry

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Algonquin College celebrates diversity at 28th annual Celebration of Cultures

The Student Commons came alive with the sounds, colours and flavours of international traditions in a lively showcase of cultures from around the world

Mariana Vega Andrade

Photos: Mariana Vega Andrade

April 8, 2026
Revised: April 8, 2026 10:31am

Photo: Mariana Vega Andrade

A mariachi group performs as two attendees stop for a photo in the middle of the celebration.

Algonquin College’s Student Commons transformed into a vibrant festival of music, dance and food on April 2 during the 28th annual Celebration of Cultures.

Students explored the multicultural community that makes up the college, learning about the traditions, heritage and customs of people from across the globe.

This year’s event featured cultural tables from 16 countries, including South Africa, Colombia, Peru, Panama, Mexico, Mongolia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, China, Albania, Lithuania, Portugal, Indonesia and Pakistan.

“This is a celebration of our multicultural community,” said Ilana Goldfarb from the Students’ Association, explaining that students from many countries come together to share their traditions.

She added that the event gives attendees the chance to learn about cultures represented on campus, as well as others they may not encounter every day.

“They have information about their destinations, cultural artifacts and food for them to enjoy,” she said, highlighting how the festival creates space for students to explore global perspectives in an engaging way.

Reflecting on the 28th edition of the festival, Goldfarb noted how meaningful this year felt.

“This year, I think we have a lot of participation. We have the most amount of groups that we’ve had, so a lot of countries wanting to participate,” she said.

With recent declines in international student admissions, she emphasized the importance of recognizing and uplifting the cultures present on campus.

“It’s nice, to celebrate the cultures that are here and make them feel special,” she said.

Students explore cultural displays from around the world during Algonquin College’s Celebration of Cultures event. Photo credit: Mariana Vega Andrade

Among the many cultural booths, the Philippines stood out with a vibrant display and a selection of traditional dishes. José Víctor V. Chan-Gonzaga, ambassador at the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Canada, introduced the country to students.

One of the key messages the ambassador wanted to share was the importance of Filipino cuisine, which he noted is still not widely known in Canada.

“Unless you grow up knowing a Filipino friend or a Filipino classmate in school, Filipino food is not, unfortunately, as popular as, for example, Mexican or Japanese food,” he said.

The Filipino booth featured beef and chicken empanaditas, a dish many are familiar with. However, Chan-Gonzaga said theirs were uniquely Philippine, along with the ube mini cupcakes made from the root crop purple yam.

For Chan-Gonzaga, participating in the event was about more than food.

“Two things, one is again related to our efforts to promote Philippine culture, Philippine food, etc. But I think also it’s really our realization that it’s also important for us to connect with younger Canadians, with students, with the youth,” he said.

The Philippines team with their display during Algonquin College’s Celebration of Cultures. Photo credit: provided by source

Public relations student Clarence Charron attended the event with a clear purpose.

“I’m determined to find my friends’ jobs as locally engaged staffers at the embassies in Ottawa,” he said. “We’re public relations students. We do communications, event planning. We’re looking for internships and this seemed like a wonderful opportunity to get to meet a lot of people who are doing the jobs that we want to do.”

Charron said he especially enjoyed speaking with embassy staff.

“Talking to locally engaged staffers has been really fun. The diplomats have also been wonderful,” he said, adding that he had been asking each booth about their upcoming events.

For him, events like this are important for students.

“Algonquin has a large international student population, so anything cross-cultural or multicultural that showcases the diversity in such a wonderful way of all the cultures that are on campus is just great for making friends and making connections,” Charron said.

Jolanda Kocobashi, representing Albania, described her country as an emerging tourist destination with high mountains and beautiful beaches.

She said there are still many basic things people don’t know about Albania.

“Because Albania is a very small country, a lot of people don’t even know where it’s located,” she said.

The Albania team with their display during Algonquin College’s Celebration of Cultures. Photo credit: Mariana Vega Andrade

At the booth, she showcased “touristic attractions, traditional outfits, costumes,” including “Lahuta, which is a musical instrument under UNESCO.”

Participating matters to her because “I think it’s a good opportunity to make Albania known in the global aspect,” she said.

As students continued moving through the displays, Goldfarb reflected on what she hoped the event would leave them with.

“I think a sense of understanding of other cultures,” she said. “I’m hoping students come through, have conversations, and come away with a deeper understanding of different countries around the world and their cultural representation.”

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Mariana Vega Andrade

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Algonquin College PR students continue fundraising efforts by hosting a casual board game night

Three hours of fun turned into more awareness and funds for a critical Ottawa organization

Ryan Harkness

Photos: Ryan Harkness

April 7, 2026
Revised: April 7, 2026 9:06am

Photo: Ryan Harkness

Jonah Bruggink (left) and Jack Sioui (right) play a round of the popular game Battleship.

Players broke plastic ice and drew humorous cards on March 31 during a board game fundraiser run by Algonquin College PR students at Level One Game Pub in downtown Ottawa.

This event was an opportunity for the ACPR students to raise money for the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) by providing a space for people to unwind and socialize.

“OCISO supports Ottawa’s newcomers with essential programs like financial support and job searching,” said Cinquasha Smith, the team leader for the Games & Glass event.

OCISO was founded in 1978 and has helped over 10,000 immigrants since in the organization’s time.

Attendees at Games & Glass could choose to play any of the wide variety of board games that Level One has to offer and order any food or beverage from the menu. Guests were also given a bingo card that, if fully completed, was entered for a chance to win a bag of OCISO merch.

Sarah Siu (left), Nathan Legros (centre) and Raymond Bowers (right) greeted attendees at the registration table, sharing information about the Culture2Culture campaign and OCISO. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness

Games & Glass is one of the seven events that the ACPR students are putting on this year for their Culture2Culture campaign supporting OCISO. Culture2Culture is the 41st campaign put on by ACPR students in the program’s history.

ACPR has supported many different organizations in the past, including Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Since 1985, ACPR campaigns have raised about $590,000, and if students raise their goal of $10,000 this year, the $600,000 milestone will be crossed.

Smith oversaw everyone’s work and made sure it followed the Culture2Culture campaign’s missions.

“The campaign’s missions are to make sure all newcomers for our campaign feel safe, welcoming and supported. Some of our values come from inclusiveness,” said Smith.

Attendees play the popular board game "Don&squot;t Break the Ice," where players have to smash the plastic ice cubes without making the toy penguin fall. — Attendees play the popular board game Don't Break the Ice, where players have to smash the plastic ice cubes without making the toy penguin fall. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness

For ACPR student Sarah Siu, Games & Glass was worth the lengthy planning in order to raise money for a great cause.

“We’re talking about how to pick a venue, what date we need to plan on putting it on and the time,” said Siu. “We also have to take to consider the fact of what could be interesting to our demographic and people who may be interested in learning more about OCISO.”

Siu applied what she learned in her classes at Algonquin, such as how to think critically and strategically, in order to help plan this event.

“If a vendor drops out, or if a venue last minute has a change, we are able to adopt quickly to that,” said Siu.

Many attendees heard about the event through social media, but for Jack Sioui it was through word of mouth.

“I heard about this through a friend who is helping organize this, and I thought it would be a good chance to help out and have some fun,” said Sioui, who played multiple rounds of Battleship during the event. “I think it’s a good cause because Ottawa and Canada in general has lots of immigrants coming in, and it’s good to have the supports to get them set up.”

This is not the first time that Lara Mills, a PR program coordinator, has assessed students running a board game night. The genre turns out to be a popular event choice for ACPR students looking to fundraise.

“This is actually the third or fourth time we have had a board game event at this venue,” said Mills. “This one is particularly special because this is not an issue that we’ve tackled (before).”

Lara Mills, Algonquin College Public Relations program coordinator, assessed the event from a distance in order to provide feedback to students. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness

Mills said that she is especially a fan of this campaign’s charity choice due to the negative rhetoric surrounding immigrants coming to Canada.

“This one is particularly special, because this is not an issue that we’ve tackled (before),” said Mills. “We also have a graduate of our program who works in communications at OCISO now.”

Future Culture2Culture events include the Speakeasy Night that will be hosted at YukYuk’s Comedy Club Ottawa on April 10 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and B2B (Bridge2Belonging) Fest at Club SAW on April 12 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. More information about the campaign can be found at acprcampaign.com.

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Higher gas prices strain Algonquin College students’ finances and social lives

From cutting back on outings to taking on extra work, students say rising gas prices and overall costs are making everyday life and education harder to afford

Kindra Paul

Photos: Kindra Paul

April 6, 2026
Revised: April 6, 2026 9:29pm

Photo: Kindra Paul

Gas prices on this day ranged from $1.76 to $2.13.

Rising gas prices are forcing Algonquin College students to adjust their budgets and lifestyles, and the financial strain is taking a toll on their social lives.

Gas prices in Ottawa have jumped more than 45 cents per litre since late February, climbing from about $1.35 per litre on March 1 and to $1.82 on April 1. The increase reflects rising global oil prices during ongoing geopolitical tensions causing oil supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Gas prices could continue going up in the next few months. Experts say that if the conflict continues, oil will stay expensive, which means higher prices at the pump. Prices may also continue to rise because gas stations switch to a more expensive summer fuel which usually costs more to produce.

For students juggling school, work and commuting, the impact is immediate. Many are reconsidering how often and how far they travel as fuel costs rise.

According to a recent survey by Canada Pulse Insights, 91 per cent of Canadians say rising gas and oil prices are affecting their household finances, with 69 per cent reporting a moderate to major impact.

As a result, students say they are cutting back on non-essential trips and adjusting their daily routines to manage costs. Some students are seeking cheaper gas, making trips to specific stations, like Costco, to save a few cents per litre.

“I’ve been waiting till late at night to get gas… looking up online what the cheapest gas prices are, which I have not done before,” said Ava Dajada, a Level 4 respiratory therapy student.

Others are combining transportation methods to reduce costs.

“I’ve been leaving my car halfway through my way here and taking the bus so I can have a 30-minute bus ride and still save time and gas,” said David Altamar, a Level 2 police foundations student.

However, public transportation is not an option for some students.

“Buses actually don’t come out to my area. I can’t (bus) even if I wanted to,” said Dakota Swire, who is also in Level 4 respiratory therapy.

As expenses rise, students say their social lives are shrinking.

“We don’t go out too much anymore because (of) all the prices of everything now,” said Chance Lorander, a Level 2 police foundations student.

Amelia Campbell, a Level 4 respiratory therapy student, agrees.

“It makes me not want to go out anymore, ’cause I don’t want to drive around and have to pay an arm and a leg just to drive down the street,” said Campbell.

Students are finding compromises.

“Me and my friends try to meet in the middle just so one of us is not having to drive super far one way,” said Dajada.

To keep up with rising costs, many students are working more or budgeting carefully.

“I’ve made a budget on how much to spend on groceries and my car and kind of prioritizing that as opposed to other things,” said Lara Waldron, a Level 2 veterinary technician student.

Many students say the rising cost of living is making education feel increasingly out of reach, some programs having extreme additional costs.

“There’s a lot of extra fees like stethoscopes…parking and gas…there’s a lot of added expenses for our program,” Dajada said.

Some students have also had to make major lifestyle changes.

“I had to get rid of my apartment and move in with friends,” said Brandon Ross, a Level 4 police foundations student.

Rising transportation costs may also affect academic success. Research published by Taylor & Francis Online found that a $1 increase in gasoline prices per gallon is associated with a 0.918 percentage point decrease in community college student retention rates.

With inflation driving up the cost of gas, food and education, students are forced to make difficult choices — cutting back on social activities, working more and rethinking how they get to school.

“I don’t think being a person in general is affordable, let alone affordable for students,” said Nolan Tarantino, a Level 4 police foundations student.

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Kindra Paul

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News Briefs: Ottawa Senators’ LeBreton Flats project progressing, CEO says

Top stories in your community and around the world as noted by Algonquin Times journalists

Evan Mullen

Photos:

April 6, 2026
Revised: April 6, 2026 9:08pm

Local:

CTV: On Sunday night, Ottawa Senators CEO Cyril Leeder talked about the team’s playoff push, the LeBreton Flats redevelopment and the club’s involvement with the PWHL.

LeBreton Flats is the future home of the Ottawa Senators and expected to be a multibillion-dollar investment located near downtown. Leeder said they are working with the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation for a potential long-term economic partnership as part of the project.

The Senators were in the last wild card playoff position on Monday with only five games left. Under the current standings, Ottawa would play the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round.

National:

CBC: Niagara Regional Police were trying to open homicide victim Randy Fader’s phone to access more evidence. The 2024 killing is believed to be linked with a criminal network led by former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding.

Authorities say the killing is likely to stem from hired gunman, Malik Damion Cunningham, allegedly on orders from Wedding’s associate Andrew Clark.

While police continue to search for additional suspects and links to a broader pattern of violence connected to the organization, Cunningham remains in custody fighting extradition to the U.S.

International:

CBC: The Artemis II mission has become the farthest human kind has ever explored. After breaking Apollo 13’s distance on Monday, the crew went dark.

Once Artemis II passed the moon, NASA expected 40 minutes of lost communication with mission control.

The distance record was broken at 1:57 p.m ET, going beyond the 400,171 kilometers Apollo 13 achieved in 1970.

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Evan Mullen

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Ottawa 67’s Round 1 recap: Sweeping the Fronts

It's four straight Ottawa victories that has them sweeping past Kingston into the second round of OHL playoffs against the Barrie Colts

Scott Crowell

Photos: Scott Crowell

April 6, 2026
Revised: April 6, 2026 3:37pm

Photo: Scott Crowell

Nic Sima scores a power-play goal and celebrates with linemates at TD Place on March 27, 2026 during Game 1 of the first-round series.

The Ottawa 67’s are moving deeper into the OHL playoffs and the quest for the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

Ottawa took on Kingston in Round 1 in what was a heavy battle between two teams that had not met in the playoffs since 1981 and reignited the rivalry in 2026.

Heading into the playoffs, both teams were more on the younger side with rookies tasting playoff hockey for the first time at the major junior level.

Those rookies for the Ottawa 67’s, combined with over-agers and veterans, managed to sweep the Kingston Frontenacs in telling fashion, in four games.

Kingston never backed down despite being swept in the series and really gave the 67’s fits throughout the series and made Ottawa be more aware, on their toes and more vigilant. They have a good future brewing in Frontenacs land.

Kingston's Jack Dever (bottom) takes shot on goal on Ryder Fetterolf during game two of first round series on March 27, 2026 at TD Place — Kingston's Jack Dever (bottom) takes shot on goal on Ottawa's Ryder Fetterolf during Game 2 of the first-round series on March 27, 2026 at TD Place. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

There were so many game-changers and storytelling elements that made the series quick but exciting and hopeful as Ottawa gets to come back to the nation’s capital for more playoff hockey.

The playoff Rookies came through for the Ottawa 67’s

The big opportunities and spotlight for the first-timers on this Ottawa 67’s team made a massive story throughout the series.

Rookie Finish import and 67’s forward Jasper Kuhta wrapped up his first OHL playoff series second in points on the team with five points in four games, (two goals and three assists) and he was tied for first of all playoff rookies on the team in points.

67’s defenceman Kohyn Eshkawkogan also played in his first OHL playoff series and came up large. He led all defenceman on the team with five points in five games, all of them being assists. He is tied with Jasper Kuhta for first among all rookies on the team in points after the series in points.

First-year rookie forward and Nepean native Thomas Vandenberg had a good first taste of playoff hockey and made an impact on the scoresheet and the lineup. Vandenberg was able to notch a point per game in the series with two goals and two assists, with both goals in the series coming on the power-play. He was first in points out of four first-year rookies on the team.

Swedish import and 67’s forward Filip Ekberg wrapped up his first OHL playoff series. Ekberg was fourth in points on the team with four points in four games (three goals and three assists). Ekberg is tied in first for goals after the first round. Ekberg also scored the series winning goal in game four. He was a big part of the success.

Captain Foster leads the way for his 67’s

67’s captain and over-ager Cooper Foster in his last season in the Ontario Hockey League has that chip on his shoulder of wanting to go out winning a trophy or two and making a name for himself before heading to professional hockey.

Foster had a complete first-round series as he led his team on the ice in the physicality and experience department. He also at the end of the series leads the entire team in points with six in four games (one goal and five assists), with the lone goal being a power-play tally.

He will look to repeat the same formula in Round 2.

Ryder Fetterolf stays solid between the pipes

First year rookie goaltender and signed American free agent Ryder Fetterolf, played in his first OHL Playoff round and had some highs and lows throughout the series. He was also big in the save department for his team when Kingston had there respective pushes in the four games and had the 67’s on their heels at times.

Ryder Fetterolf takes warmups in preparation for game one at TD Place on March 27, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

In all four games this series, he started and secured four straight wins and finished with a stat line of a 2.50 goals against average and a 0.896 save percentage.

Fetterolf faced 96 shots in the series and saved 86. He did allow 10 goals in four games but that doesn’t matter when the wins are piling up for him and his team.

Fetterolf after Ottawa’s Game 2 win spoke about the playoff hockey feeling and what it means to him.

“I wouldn’t say I’m treating it too much differently, obviously the games are, I think, they’re a lot better than the regular season, a lot more on the line,” said Fetterolf.

Fetterolf will continue to look to stack up more wins and be strong between the net for his team in the second round.

Veteran experience played dividends in Round 1

Veteran forward Nic Sima is appearing in his fifth straight season of OHL playoff hockey, with North Bay Battalion, Saginaw Spirit and now the Ottawa 67’s. He is a 2023-2024 Memorial Cup champion with the Spirit. In the first round he was tied in goals at three and he also notched one assist as well with four points in the series.

David Bedkowski, who the defenceman the 67’s acquired in this season’s trade deadline from the Oshawa Generals, is also playing in his fourth straight season of playoff hockey. Bedkowski was rock solid on the backend and provided defensive depth for the 67’s in Round 1 and notched one goal and one assist in the first round. He brought the boom on the physicality aspect.

Frankie Marrelli, the longtime 67’s defender, appeared in his third year of playoff hockey with the 67’s and provided that long-lasting experience that was said to be passed to the defensive core in the locker room. He had two assists in four games.

Nic Whitehead, another multi year 67 forward had four assists in the series and provided an impact around the locker room and on the ice.

The 67’s now stay ready and nimble as they get some time to rest up before heading to Barrie to take on the Colts in Round 2. Game 1 goes April 9.

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Scott Crowell

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Scott Crowell

Ottawa 67’s score winner late in Game 4, sweep Kingston to advance

The tightest and closest game of the series tested the Ottawa 67’s, but some late-game heroics have sent the 67’s to Round 2 of the OHL playoffs

Scott Crowell

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April 6, 2026
Revised: April 6, 2026 3:20pm

A 3-2 win against the Kingston Frontenacs in Game 4 on April 2 has sent the Ottawa 67’s to the second round of the playoffs in the OHL Eastern Conference. It wasn’t the prettiest effort by the 67’s as they had to fight for the game-winning goal.

The streak of fights at the start of the game ended as the Frontenacs and 67’s were laser focused on an elimination game that was do or die for one team and win and move on for another.

It was all Ottawa to start the game as they struck twice within the first three minutes of with a Sam McCue “Michigan” highlight reel goal and second of the series to put the 67’s up just 41 seconds in. Nic Sima scored his third goal of the series off a tip in from a Jasper Kuhta.

Those two goals were enough for Kingston head coach Troy Mann to yank starting goaltender Matthew Minchak and put in Gavin Betts, who was the starting goalie in Games 1 and 2 back in Ottawa.

Kingston was able to score the next two goals when Matthew Frost put a loose puck home as his linemates Adam Kelly and Riley Clark helped put together a lengthy sustained shift in the first. Robin Kuzma snuck a shot past Ryder Fetterolf a minute into the second to draw even.

Ottawa defenceman David Bedkowski was ejected in the second period after a blindside body check on Kingston’s Kieren Dervin. He was given a five-minute major and 10-minute penalty for blindsiding after a lengthy review.

Bedkowski may see the league possibly review his ejection for possible suspension, but it’s rather unlikely due to the fact it was shoulder to chest. The OHL does not, however, tolerate blindside hits.

The second and third periods were very tight and both teams gave each other no room. Overtime appeared in order as time was winding down in the third period.

It was late-game heroics from 67’s forward Filip Ekberg with 30 seconds left in the third period. He walked in all alone and went backhand-forehand on Gavin Betts as he out deked the Kingston defence for his third of the series.

That would be the series winner and the 67’s secured the sweep as they beat the Frontenacs in the game and round.

Ryder Fetterolf was able to lock down the fort between the pipes, stopping 20 of 22 shots.

After the game in the locker room, 67’s head coach Dave Cameron said to his players that he and the team all knew it wasn’t their best effort but they stayed with it and got the job done.

The 67’s will face the Barrie Colts in Round 2.

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