Orillia native Kyle Heitzner is proving that persistence and passion can reignite a hockey career.
At 25, the left-handed centre has overcome injuries, mental health challenges, and the twists and turns of professional sports to find himself playing some of the best hockey of his life.
Heitzner began his competitive hockey journey with the North Central Predators rep program before being drafted by the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Barrie Colts. Between 2016 and 2018, he played two seasons with the Colts and one with the Mississauga Steelheads, registering 20 points in 115 games.
However, his post-OHL career brought significant challenges. While playing junior hockey with the Aurora Tigers, Kitchener Dutchmen, and Brantford 99ers, Heitzner faced injuries and battled mental health struggles caused by concussions.
In 2019, a return to his hometown Jr. C Orillia Terriers was just the tonic he needed. He recorded an impressive 79 points in just 35 games before suffering a broken tibia.
“When I started to play in Orillia, I started to get my love back for the game,” Heitzner shared. “Now, at 25, I’m trying to get back on the path I was on in the OHL and see if I can still do it.”
Heitzner’s professional career began in 2021 with the Southern Professional Hockey League’s (SPHL) Quad City Storm, where he tallied five points in 14 games. He was then sent down to the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), registering three points in four games with the Columbus River Dragons before a separated shoulder cut his season short.
Last year, Heitzner had a brief but productive stint with the Danbury Hat Tricks, earning two points in three games. This season, with the Watertown Wolves of the FPHL, Heitzner has been a standout, scoring 13 goals in 14 games and leading the league in scoring early in the year.
“This is the first year I started the season right from training camp,” Heitzner explained. “I’ve been reaping the benefits of being at my top physique.”
His performance earned him a promotion to the Macon Mayhem of the SPHL, where he’s continued to pursue his dream of reaching the ECHL, a tier just below the American Hockey League.
“I would have shown loyalty to Watertown because they were really good to me,” Heitzner said. “But I really want to get up to the ECHL, so this is the best career move for me right now.”
Heitzner attributes his recent success to a renewed focus on both mental and physical health. Despite facing concussions and mental health struggles earlier in his career, he has embraced openness about his experiences, using social media to connect with others and reduce stigma.
“My mental health has been great in terms of being happy,” he said. “I’ve been pretty open on social media about my mental health. My biggest goal there was to let people know they aren’t alone.”
Physically, Heitzner has never been stronger. Now at 187 pounds, he’s committed to maintaining his fitness through improved diet, better sleep, and rigorous training.
“I’ve never been in better shape,” he said. “The biggest thing now is just maintaining my fitness, keeping my body strong, and staying healthy.”
While his current focus is on advancing his playing career, Heitzner is also preparing for life after hockey. He dreams of becoming a coach and training young players one-on-one.
“In the summers, I help with the Hockey Moves program,” he explained. “Ideally in the future, I’d be able to train kids on my own.”
For now, though, Heitzner is determined to play at the highest level possible for as long as he can.
“I want to give everything I have while I’m still in my 20s,” he said. “This is my career, and I want to make the most of it.”
