OTTAWA – After a record-making junior hockey career, Ottawa 67’s forward Austen Keating was named the Ontario Hockey League’s Overage Player of the Year for 2019-2020.

The 21-year-old, who played his final junior hockey game this season, capped off his OHL career with an 89-point season, scoring 32 goals and 57 assists. In his five seasons with Ottawa, Keating tallied 325 points in 309 games played, making him the only player in 67’s history to score at least 300 points and play 300 games with the 67’s. 

“I’d like to thank all of the Ottawa 67’s coaching staff, as well as my teammates and the Ottawa 67’s fans, who were amazing to me from my very first day with the organization until my last,” Keating released in a statement. “I’d also like to thank my family, who have always been by my side through the good and the bad times and who were a huge reason why I was able to succeed this year.”

Keating was picked in the first round, 16th overall in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection by the 67’s. He went on to become the third all-time 67’s player in most games played with the team (309), along with being the 12th all-time scoring leader in 67’s history with his 325 points. He was know as a hard-working, playmaking forward who’s hockey sense and tenacity was second to none.

“During his time with the 67’s Austen has been the consummate team player and his effort and dedication to improve on a day-to-day basis embodies all of the core values of our organization,” 67’s general manager James Boyd said. “Austen developed into a true leader and driving force within our group with his play this season and is most deserving of this prestigious award.”

The Guelph native recently signed with the University of New Brunswick Reds, where he will be a key addition to their roster as soon as the 2020-2021 season. Keating plans to continue both his hockey career and his academics at UNB in the fall.