Growing up in Ottawa, Cameron Crotty probably dreamed of playing hockey at the Canadian Tire Centre. Tonight, that dream might become reality again.
The Senators announced Thursday they’ve called up the 26-year-old defenceman from their AHL affiliate in Belleville. He could suit up against the Buffalo Sabres in front of his hometown crowd. For any local player, there’s nothing quite like skating on home ice with family and friends watching from the stands.
Crotty’s journey to this moment hasn’t followed a straight path. He’s played six seasons of professional hockey, bouncing between leagues and organizations. The grit required to stick with it speaks volumes about his character and determination.
This would mark his third NHL appearance if he gets the nod from head coach Travis Green. He previously played one game with Arizona during the 2023-24 season. He also got into one game with Minnesota earlier this year. Those brief glimpses of the big league make opportunities like this even more precious.
The National Capital Region native was drafted 82nd overall by Arizona back in 2017. That draft day likely felt like a validation of years spent on frozen outdoor rinks and early morning practices. But getting drafted is just the beginning of a much longer journey.
Before turning pro, Crotty developed his skills with several well-known local and regional programs. He played with the Gloucester Rangers, giving him deep roots in Ottawa’s minor hockey community. He also spent time with the Brockville Braves in the CCHL. His college years were spent at Boston University, where he honed his game against top NCAA competition.
Interestingly, Crotty even ventured overseas briefly to play in Norway’s Elite Hockey League. That international experience adds another dimension to his hockey education. Sometimes the road to the NHL requires detours through unexpected places.
Last summer brought Crotty full circle when he signed a two-year contract with Ottawa. Coming home must have felt special after years of uncertainty and movement between organizations. The Senators clearly saw something valuable in the hometown defender.
This season in Belleville, he’s appeared in 49 games for the B-Sens. He’s contributed three goals and seven assists for ten points total. Those aren’t flashy offensive numbers, but defencemen are valued for much more than scoring. His defensive reliability and experience likely caught management’s attention.
The timing of this call-up carries added significance for the Senators organization. Ottawa is making their final playoff push with just eight remaining regular season games. Every roster decision matters when you’re fighting for a postseason spot.
Thursday’s game against Buffalo kicks off a crucial five-game homestand at Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators need to capitalize on home ice advantage during this stretch. They’re coming off a disappointing 6-3 loss to Florida on Tuesday that stung.
I’ve covered enough late-season hockey to know how these stretches feel. The pressure builds with each passing game. Players feel the weight of expectations from fans who’ve waited years for meaningful April hockey.
For Crotty, the context is different but equally intense. He’s not worrying about playoff positioning or long-term roster spots. He’s focused on making the most of every shift he gets. At 26, he understands opportunities in the NHL don’t come around constantly.
There’s something authentically Ottawa about this story that resonates beyond just hockey. A kid from our community worked his way through the system despite setbacks. He never gave up when easier paths existed. Now he might get to represent his hometown team in their playoff chase.
Local fans at Canadian Tire Centre tonight will surely give Crotty extra support if he takes the ice. We appreciate players who understand what wearing the Senators jersey means to this community. The connection runs deeper when someone actually grew up here.
The Senators’ decision to call him up also reflects their current roster situation. Injuries or performance issues likely created the opening. General Manager Steve Staios and his staff are juggling lineups constantly this time of year.
Belleville has served its purpose as a development hub once again. The partnership between Ottawa and their AHL affiliate continues producing players ready for NHL action. Crotty represents exactly why that farm system exists.
Whether he plays one shift or twenty minutes tonight, Crotty’s presence on the roster tells a broader story. It’s about persistence, hometown pride, and seizing moments when they arrive. These are lessons that extend far beyond hockey rinks.
Ottawa hockey fans have watched countless call-ups over the years, but hometown players always hit differently. There’s an emotional investment that makes us root just a bit harder. We want to see local kids succeed at the highest level.
The Senators need contributions from every player on their roster down this final stretch. If Crotty can provide steady defensive play and positive energy, he’ll have done his job. Sometimes that’s all a team needs from a call-up.
As puck drop approaches tonight, Cameron Crotty will likely feel a mix of nerves and excitement. Playing meaningful games in late March brings intensity unlike anything else. Doing it at home amplifies everything.
This opportunity might last one game or extend longer depending on circumstances. Either way, it’s another chapter in a career built on perseverance. And for one night at least, an Ottawa kid gets to live out his childhood dream on home ice.
