Montreal Canadiens Announce Owen Protz’s Return to OHL
Following their game on Tuesday night, the Montreal Canadiens made an official announcement regarding Owen Protz, a young defenseman. The 19-year-old, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NHL draft, has been sent back to the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Protz’s Performance and Training Experience
Protz had a strong showing during the rookie camp, which led to an invitation to the Canadiens’ main training camp, although he did not participate in any preseason matches.
Despite not having a realistic chance to secure a spot on the big league roster, Protz had the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be involved in a professional training environment. He was able to participate in scrimmages, offering him a glimpse into the faster pace of NHL-level competition.
The selection committee recognized his strengths during the rookie camp, particularly his awareness on the ice and his adherence to his playing style. Protz demonstrated a solid transition game, marked by his effectiveness in making the first pass while avoiding trying to overextend beyond his capabilities, an admirable quality for a player of his age.
Looking Ahead
As he heads back to the OHL, Protz now has a clearer understanding of the areas he needs to focus on for improvement and has gained valuable insights into the professionalism required to thrive in the NHL. The timing of his main camp invitation was particularly significant, as head coach Martin St-Louis emphasized the demand for high-caliber execution from the outset of training, setting a tone of urgency for the team this season.
This experience should serve as a significant stepping stone in Protz’s development as he aspires to make the leap to professional hockey in the future.
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