From OHL's Final Selection to NHL Prospect: The Spencer Bowes Transformation
In a stunning display of perseverance and development, Spencer Bowes of the Ottawa 67's has completed a remarkable journey from being the last pick in his OHL draft class to becoming a projected third-round selection in the upcoming NHL draft. His story serves as a powerful testament to what dedication and physical growth can achieve in competitive sports.
The Humble Beginning
Just two years ago, during the April 2022 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, Spencer Bowes found himself selected as the 293rd overall pick—the very last choice made by the Ottawa 67's. Only nine players were chosen after the then 5-foot-6, 132-pound left winger in what was the 15th and final round of that year's draft. At that moment, few could have predicted the trajectory that would follow for the Carleton Place native.
The Dramatic Transformation
Fast forward to the present, and Bowes stands as a completely transformed athlete. Now measuring five-and-a-half inches taller and carrying an additional 40 pounds of muscle, he has developed into one of the Ottawa 67's most valuable players. His physical transformation coincided with a dramatic improvement in his on-ice performance, turning him from a long-shot prospect into a legitimate NHL candidate.
"I never gave up belief," Bowes stated during the team's season-ending media availability. "I always had faith in myself and trusted myself that I was able to get to this level."
Statistical Breakthrough
During the regular season, Bowes emerged as the 67's sixth-leading goal scorer with 23 goals and eighth in total points with 42. His development accelerated as the season progressed, with 16 of his goals and 16 of his 19 assists coming in the 35 games after December 20th. This late-season surge demonstrated his growing comfort with the elevated speed and skill level of Canada's premier junior hockey league.
The rookie carried this momentum into the postseason, where he led the team in goals with four and tied for third in points with four assists across nine playoff contests. His performance during Ottawa's second-round playoff elimination solidified his status as a rising talent.
The Path to Improvement
Bowes attributes his rapid development to two key factors: physical growth and increased confidence. "I definitely grew ... I was a shorter kid back then," he reflected on his draft day. "Last summer, I dedicated all my time towards eating better and training harder and stuff like that. I felt like I had the chance of making this team. So I just did a lot more hardcore training and eating."
Motivation came from the memory of his draft day experience, knowing that only his hometown team had taken a chance on him. "Anytime people think you're not good enough, it definitely fuels you," Bowes explained. "It makes you want to prove people wrong ... it just makes me play harder, for sure."
Scouting Recognition
The culmination of Bowes' efforts came when NHL Central Scouting released their end-of-season rankings. After being completely absent from their mid-term report covering the first seven rounds, Bowes appeared at number 75 on their final list—a remarkable achievement that reflects how dramatically scouts' opinions of his game changed over the course of the season.
Bowes was one of just four players from the 67's 2024 draft class who actually played for the team this season, and one of only three who became regular contributors. His journey from playing for the Perth Blue Wings Jr. Bs in 2023-24, through splitting time between the Pembroke Lumber Kings and Rockland Nationals in the Central Canada Hockey League, to becoming an OHL standout demonstrates an unwavering commitment to improvement.
Throughout this period of rapid development, Bowes maintained close ties to his roots, never straying far from his family's support and continuing to make the 50-kilometer drive from his parents' Carleton Place home to TD Place for practices, games, and team functions. This connection to his origins seems to have provided both stability and motivation as he transformed from an overlooked prospect into a legitimate NHL draft candidate.
