The 19-year-old Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School graduate, entering his third OHL season this fall with the Colts, was dealt Sunday to the Mississauga Steelheads for a sixth-round pick in 2021.
“It’s a breath of fresh air to go to a new team,” Heitzner told OrilliaMatters. “I have enjoyed my time in Barrie, made many friendships and learned so much from a Hall of Famer like (coach) Dale Hawerchuk. But I am ready for a fresh start.”
Heitzner, an undersized forward who was a star with the North Central Predators AAA team before a strong season of Jr. B hockey in Cambridge, was drafted by the Colts in the 11th round (218th overall) in the 2015 OHL entry draft.
In his two-plus season with the Colts, he had 20 points in 110 games. But he never really found his stride on Hawerchuk’s Colts.
He was mostly relegated to a fourth line role on talented, veteran-laden teams. This season, he did not dress for the team’s first two games; he was a healthy scratch and watched the games from the press box.
He is hopeful of playing a bigger role with the Steelheads.
“I have high hopes for my role in Mississauga and am going to come make an immediate impact,” vowed Heitzner. “I’m really excited to meet my new brothers in Mississauga and my new coach (James Richmond). I’ve heard nothing but good things.”
The 5’10” 172-pound centre who is known for his work ethic and fierce competitiveness, plans to keep playing the style of hockey that helped him get attention from OHL scouts.
“Mississauga can expect a hard-nosed player who is tough to play against, will play physical, drop the gloves, do whatever it takes to win, but can also put the puck in the net,” said Heitzner.
The feisty forward said he will be moving to Mississauga – to his new home and new team – today.
“I am excited to move to Mississauga. I am happy to still be close to home,” said Heitzner, who noted his “favourite part about Barrie was playing in front of friends and most importantly my family and my amazing billet family. I’m so thankful for the support I have gotten from my mom and dad through all this.”
Heitzner and the Steelheads will pay a visit to the Barrie Molson Centre Oct. 4.
