Carlos Verde, Communications Manager
Kanata, Ont. —
Along the boards at the Bell Sensplex, you can see the scouts double-checking the names of two Ottawa Jr. Senators players.
Chiwetin Blacksmith. Silas Mattawashish.
Hometown: Waswanipi, Quebec.
Few, if any, of the 100-plus scouts in attendance have heard of the Cree village in rural Quebec, some 640 kilometres north of Ottawa; many ask each other for any tidbit of information on the two.
Neither of the skilled forwards were here at last year’s CCHL showcase; Blacksmith was a member of the OHL’s Barrie Colts, while Mattawashish was suiting up for the QMJHL’s Val d’Or Foreurs.
But they’re very here now, taking the game to the Kemptville 73’s. When all is said and done, Mattawashish — one of the league’s premier summer signings — finishes with a hat-trick, while Blacksmith adds a pair of assists.
“Knowing Chiwetin was playing here and knowing the team was hosting the Fred Page (Cup) got me excited,” says Mattawashish following Ottawa’s dominant Saturday-night win. “I wanted to come here, and I’m really happy to be here — it’s a good league.”
The 19-year-old forward finished out last season with the Valleyfield Braves of the Quebec Junior-A loop, but sought a different challenge in 2017-18.
“Obviously it’s a better league than Junior AAA, it’s more structured,” explained Mattawashish.
For Blacksmith, the opportunity to suit up with his long-time friend is a unique opportunity.
“It’s really special,” said the former Gatineau Olympique. “We’ve been best friends for a while now, so playing together is great, especially in my final junior year.”
The two players, members of the Cree First Nation, were well-supported by family on Saturday at the showcase.
“We had a lot of family tonight in the stands, since it’s Labour Day weekend,” said Mattawashish. “We have lots of family here in Ottawa, going to college, so they’re always going to be here (at games).”
The Jr. Sens have loaded up for a run at the Fred Page Cup with the acquisitions of Owen Guy, Nick Lalonde and Mattawashish. Factoring in returning players like Blacksmith, Griffin McGregor and Isaac Anderson, Martin Dagenais’s forward group might be the deepest in the league.
“It’s a big year for the team, and Silas is a huge acquisition,” smiled Blacksmith. “I’m really looking forward to him being here.”
