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STRIKING IT “RITCH” AT THE OHL DRAFT
Being in the OHL as a rookie is a journey all on its own, add in being the 2nd overall draft selection entering the first hockey season in Ontario in almost two years, and it becomes an entirely new giant. Following so many missed games, practices and just development opportunities in general, Calum Ritchie couldn’t be more excited to join the Oshawa Generals. “I am so honoured and excited to officially be part of the Oshawa Generals family,” Ritchie said. “I am looking so forward to starting the season with my new team and meeting all of the awesome Generals fans!” The Oakville, Ont., native was the 2nd overall pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection this past June. With the cancellation of the 20202021 season, the Generals were awarded the 2nd overall pick following the first-ever OHL Draft Lottery. With the COVID-19 pandemic taking its hold on Ontario through 2021, Ritchie has been doing whatever he can to keep growing as a hockey player. He spent the 2019-2020 season as the captain of the Oakville Rangers, and in 32 games he scored 22 goals and added 40 assists. During his first taste of Generals’ hockey, Ritchie met fans’ expectations of him at training camp, finishing amongst the team lead in points. Ritchie also proved to the OHL it’s his time to shine, scoring five points in his first two games of exhibition play against the Hamilton Bulldogs. “I think Calum will have success in the OHL and beyond because he has great vision and instincts. Combine that with a 6’2 frame, and you have the makings of a real player,” said General Manager Roger Hunt. “Cal will make subtle smart plays that go together with some of the highlight reel plays he is very capable of making. He has an intelligence and quiet confidence around him. For some, there may be a lot of pressure entering their first season – or even the pressure to put on a good show for the fans who waited so
long for hockey, but for Ritchie, he’s taking it all in, and taking it all head on.” The excitement doesn’t stop at Roger Hunt as Ritchie has quickly become known as the guy who always has a big smile on his face. “I’m feeling really excited heading into my first season with the Gens,” Ritchie said. “Everyone, from my billet family, my teammates, the staff, has made me feel so welcome. I feel more than ready to compete at this level and make an impact to help the team win.” As a highly touted addition to the roster, fans aren’t the only one with expectations for the rookie. “My personal goals for this season are to get better every day,” he said. “To contribute in any way to help the team win. I want to win a Memorial Cup with this team, and I want to play in the NHL one day.” “This is where the hard work starts”
