There’s something special about watching a local kid come home. Cameron Crotty might lace up his skates tonight at the Canadian Tire Centre. The 26-year-old defenceman grew up right here in Ottawa. Now he’s getting another shot with the Senators.
The team called him up from Belleville on Thursday. He could play against the Buffalo Sabres tonight. For Crotty, this means playing professional hockey in front of friends and family. That’s a dream most young players only imagine.
This wouldn’t be his first time in the NHL. He’s played two games before with other teams. One came with the Arizona Coyotes last season. The other was with the Minnesota Wild earlier this year. But playing for your hometown team hits differently. I’ve covered enough homecomings to know the emotion that comes with it.
Crotty’s been grinding in the American Hockey League for most of his career. He’s in his sixth season of professional men’s hockey. That takes dedication and patience. The path to the NHL isn’t always straight. Many talented players spend years developing their skills in the minors.
The Senators drafted Crotty back in 2017. Arizona picked him 82nd overall in that year’s entry draft. He eventually signed a two-year contract with Ottawa last summer. Coming full circle to the city where he started. That must feel validating after years of hard work.
Before turning pro, Crotty played locally with the Gloucester Rangers. He also suited up for the Brockville Braves. Then he headed to Boston University to play for the Terriers. His journey even took him overseas briefly. He spent time in Norway’s Elite Hockey League. That’s the kind of winding path many hockey players take.
Down in Belleville this season, Crotty has been steady. He’s played 49 games for the Senators’ AHL affiliate. He’s scored three goals and added seven assists. Those numbers might not jump off the page. But defencemen contribute in ways that don’t always show up on scoresheets.
The timing of this call-up matters. Ottawa is making their final playoff push right now. Only eight games remain in the regular season. Every point counts at this stage. The team needs all hands on deck.
Thursday’s game starts a five-game homestand. The Senators just lost 6-3 to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. That stings. Getting back in the win column at home becomes crucial. The Canadian Tire Centre crowd will be ready to help push them forward.
For Crotty, the pressure might feel different playing at home. But it could also fuel him. There’s nothing quite like performing in front of people who watched you grow up. Former coaches, teammates from minor hockey, even teachers might be in the stands. That kind of support can lift a player.
I’ve watched this franchise through plenty of ups and downs. Seeing local talent get opportunities always resonates with this community. Ottawa takes pride in its hockey roots. We develop players here who go on to compete at the highest levels.
The Senators organization clearly values what Crotty brings. They wouldn’t call him up during a playoff race otherwise. He must be showing something in practice and in Belleville. His defensive reliability probably caught the coaching staff’s attention. Teams need depth, especially down the stretch.
Whether Crotty plays tonight remains to be seen. Coaches make those decisions based on matchups and situations. But just being on the roster means something. It shows the organization trusts him if his number gets called.
This homestand could define Ottawa’s season. Five straight games at the Canadian Tire Centre offers a real opportunity. The team controls its own destiny if they can string together wins. Home ice advantage matters in tight races.
For fans heading to the game tonight, keep an eye on number assignments. Crotty might be out there representing his hometown. Those moments create memories that last forever. Both for the player and for everyone watching.
The kid from Ottawa might just get his chance tonight. That’s the beauty of sports. You work hard, stay ready, and when opportunity knocks, you answer. Cameron Crotty has done exactly that throughout his career.
