Ottawa 67's Defenseman David Bedkowski Suspended for Two Games: Impact on Playoff Series
The Ottawa 67’s will be missing one of their key defensemen, David Bedkowski, for more than just one game due to a two-game suspension handed down by the Ontario Hockey League. Bedkowski was penalized for spearing Barrie Colts captain Kashawn Aitcheson during the second period of the playoff series opener. This suspension means that the 67’s will have to play without Bedkowski in Game 3 as well, which will take place at Ottawa’s TD Place on Tuesday night. The decision was announced by the OHL’s Department of Player Safety just before Game 2 began at Sadlon Arena.
Bedkowski, a 6-6 defenseman acquired from the Owen Sound Attack in a trade, has been a significant presence on Ottawa’s defense. The 19-year-old Buffalo Sabres draft pick contributed three goals, nine assists, and 60 penalty minutes in 30 games with the 67’s. Before joining Ottawa, Bedkowski played 38 games with the Attack, tallying two goals, 15 assists, and 58 penalty minutes. His combined penalty minutes made him the second-highest penalized player in the OHL, trailing only Gabriel Eliasson of the Colts, who is a second-round pick of the Ottawa Senators.
With Bedkowski sidelined, the 67’s will turn to Jack Johnson, a 16-year-old defenseman drafted by Ottawa in the second round of the 2025 draft. Johnson, who stands at 6-3 and weighs 192 pounds, will be making his OHL playoff debut. In his 10 regular-season games, the Stouffville native recorded two assists and an even plus-minus rating. He is expected to play a limited role against a strong Colts team that boasts three NHL first-round draft picks.
In Game 1, the Colts were led by their NHL prospects, with Aitcheson and Emil Hemming (Dallas Stars) each contributing a goal and two assists. Cole Beaudoin, a first-round pick of the Utah Mammoth and the OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player, added three assists to help Barrie secure a 4-2 victory over Ottawa. The absence of Bedkowski will be felt by the 67’s as they look to bounce back in Game 3 without one of their key defensive players.