Spencer Bowes’ hockey dream became reality Saturday when the New York Rangers selected the Beckwith Township native 102nd overall in the fourth round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
The Ottawa 67’s 18-year-old forward described the moment as unlike anything he had ever experienced.
“I’ve never been so happy about something in my life,” Bowes said moments after hearing his name called.
The celebration was made even more meaningful by having his parents at his side.
“They looked super excited. They looked like they were getting a little emotional there. It’s just a great feeling to experience it with them,” he said.
Bowes admitted the selection caught him completely by surprise.
“I had no idea, actually. I was kind of explaining how I think the trades worked to my dad and then heard my name get called. It was kind of unexpected.”
The six-foot, 172-pound, left-shooting forward completed his first full Ontario Hockey League season with the Ottawa 67’s in 2025-26, recording 23 goals and 19 assists for 42 points in 67 regular-season games before adding four goals and four assists in nine playoff contests.
His path to the NHL Draft included stops with the Perth Blue Wings of the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League and the Pembroke Lumber Kings and Rockland Nationals of the Central Canada Hockey League before earning a full-time role with the 67’s.
Bowes credited Ottawa and head coach Dave Cameron with helping shape his game.
“That was the main reason why I’m here,” he said. “I think playing for that team and getting good coaching and learning more about myself and how to play, I think, is the biggest part of my hockey.”
He said Cameron challenged him to expand his game and become a more complete player.
“He taught me some new things about myself, like my playing style and being able to play anywhere. He’s taught me almost everything I know today.”
When describing himself as a player, Bowes pointed to his hockey sense and physical play.
“I think I’m a smart player, and when I use my physicality, I’m effective.”
Although thrilled to be drafted, Bowes said his focus now shifts back to Ottawa, where he plans to return for the 2026-27 season.
“I had a slow start to my year this year, and I had a really good second half. I just want the full experience. A full good year for me.”
He also identified consistency and using his physicality every night as areas he wants to improve.
“I’d say my consistency and my physicality. I feel like when I use it, I affect the game a bit more. If I can use that every night, it’ll help my game for sure.”
Asked what excites him most about joining the Rangers organization, Bowes pointed to the passion of New York sports fans and one player in particular.
“I like watching Adam Fox. I think he’s a really good player, a good skater, good vision,” he said. “I’d be excited to meet him.”
Road to the NHL
Minor Hockey
Carleton Place Kings, Ottawa Valley Titans U15 AAA, Carleton Place Canadians U18 AAA
2022-23
Whitewater Kings (EOJHL): 1 GP
2023-24
Perth Blue Wings (EOJHL): 44 GP, 28 G, 45 A, 73 Pts
2023-24
Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL): 15 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 Pt
2024-25
Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL): 27 GP, 12 G, 21 A, 33 Pts
2024-25
Rockland Nationals (CCHL): 12 GP, 5 G, 2 A, 7 Pts
2024-25 Playoffs
Rockland Nationals: 15 GP, 4 G, 7 A, 11 Pts
2024-25
Ottawa 67’s (OHL): 5 GP
2025-26
Ottawa 67’s (OHL): 67 GP, 23 G, 19 A, 42 Pts
2026 Playoffs
Ottawa 67’s: 9 GP, 4 G, 4 A, 8 Pts
2026 NHL Draft
Selected 102nd overall by the New York Rangers
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