The Orillia Terriers are losing their captain and offensive catalyst.
Kyle Heitzner, who returned to his hometown Jr. C team last year to chase a championship, recently asked for a trade and has been dealt to the Kitchener Dutchmen - a Jr. B team in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL).
“My decision was based solely on the fact that I want to play a high level of hockey and university teams that are interested in me for next year want me playing at the highest level,” Heitzner told OrilliaMatters.
The 20-year-old, in his final year of eligibility to play junior hockey, has his eyes on possibly attending UOIT or the University of Waterloo next year.
“This was a decision made for the future of my hockey career,” said Heitzner.
It was a decision Terriers fans will likely not like.
Heitzner, after an injury-plagued and suspension-laden season last year, has returned to form with the Terriers during this campaign, sparking his team to a strong 9-5-0 start.
The former North Central Predators' star forward has scored 18 goals and added 21 assists in 14 games this year. His 39 points and 18 goals are both tops in the league.
“I’m really going to miss the Terriers community,” said Heitzner, who played parts of three seasons in the OHL with the Barrie Colts and Mississauga Ice Dogs.
While he had hoped to cap his junior career by leading the local team to the promised land, he had begun to feel that wasn’t going to happen.
In an emotional message on social media earlier today, Heitzner thanked the team, its coaches and its ownership.
"It was an honour to wear the Terriers jersey again and especially wear the C," he wrote. He added the team helped him "get through a difficult time in my life" and "made me feel at home."
His disappointment in leaving is tempered by his keen desire to move on.
“I am so excited to go to Kitchener,” said Heitzner, who played in the GOJHL as a 16-year-old when he suited up for a season in Cambridge.
That excitement is, in part, due to the strength of the squad, but also because one of his best friends, fellow Orillia native Kole Scott, also plays on the team. He is looking forward to reuniting with his former minor hockey teammate.
“To play with Kole is surreal,” said Heitzner. “I love him like a brother.”
Heitzner expects to make his debut with his new team tonight and anticipates playing a key role on the team, which sits atop the standings in its division.
“I will be playing top-line minutes for sure,” said Heitzner, who was nominated as Orillia’s athlete of the year in 2017. “I’m coming in with a lot of experience as a 20-year-old and I’m going to provide leadership to some guys who are trying to get to the next level and want to win.
“I think they will expect me to put the puck in the net, finish checks and never back down," said Heitzner.
Terriers General Manager Andrew McDonald did not return a request for comment.
