KILLALOE – The Ottawa Senators drafted local boy Kelly Summers with their fourth pick in the NHL draft, 189th overall, in the seventh round. Or as Don Cherry would say, with their first Canadian pick in the draft. Kelly who is a 6’1” defenseman weighing 191 pounds is a native of Golden Lake.
Actually, 10 minutes from Killaloe on Golden Lake. As an offensive D-man with the CCHL’s Carleton Place Canadians Kelly had 17 goals to go along with 43 assists and 60 points. He is headed to play NCAA for the Golden Knights at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York.
Kelly is the first local lad to be drafted by an NHL team in 33 years, since Barry’s Bay’s Larry Trader was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 1981, and Palmer Rapids Rod Schutt who was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1976.
He is also the first Killaloe area player to ever get drafted by an NHL team.
So, expect to see Kelly patrolling the blueline for the Sens in four years.
Congrats Kelly from all of us who have been following your career and will continue to do so.
Despite everything you have been reading on line and in the newspapers, let me get something straight. Kelly is not from Renfrew. Kelly is not from Carleton Place. Kelly is not from Golden Lake. Kelly is not from Eganville.
Kelly is from Killaloe. So Killaloe residents, be proud, you have just witnessed history being made.
Get your June 25, 2014 edition of The Valley Gazette to read the interview with Kelly Summers.