OJS Player Profile: Sam Grabner

by Warren Rappleyea

In just his first full year in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) Sam Grabner has become an indispensable member of the Ottawa Junior Senators blue line corps.

While Grabner was expected to earn a spot on the squad, the departure of several key defenders from Ottawa’s 2022 Bogart Cup championship team created an opportunity for the 18-year-old to step up and play a more important role.

The 6-3, 215-pound lefty-shooter more than answered the call. Often paired with Jack Moffat, Grabner became a fixture on defense and played an integral role in helping his team allow the fewest goals against in the CCHL—a feat last achieved by Ottawa during the 2015-16 campaign, although the Junior Sens were just one goal off the mark last season—as well as the best record in the league.

“Our organization is all about winning,” Grabner said. “We’re all very proud because they’re both team things. All of our guys play a 200-foot game and contribute at both ends of the ice.”

Grabner, who had been playing Junior B for the Ottawa Canadians, originally joined the Junior Sens about halfway through last season. Despite a broken foot, he appeared in 13 regular season games, and one playoff encounter during the team’s title run. Although his ice time was limited, the experience paid off for the youngster this season.

“The intensity was so much higher, both in games and during practice,” he said. “They just demand a higher overall work ethic and the expectations are through the roof here. Losing a game is unacceptable. I team leaders always bring their ‘A’ game and, if necessary, they nudge guys in practice to make sure they pick it up. That attitude really rubs off on everyone.”

Grabner hit the ground running this season. He quickly established himself as a solid, shot-blocking defender, who also excels on the penalty kill. With his size, he also brings physicality and plays tough in front of his own net and in the corners. The youngster noted that he has learned a lot from Ottawa’s captain Wil Murphy.

“Sam understands the game exceptionally well,” Ottawa Coach Kyle Makaric said. “He’s got a really good stick and he keeps the puck away from the dangerous areas by using his size and his stick work. Being here last year definitely helped him. As a second-year guy he knew what was expected coming into the year and he was able to grow into a bigger role. He fully understands what’s expected and has made an impact.”

Grabner was selected by Ottawa in the Bantam draft and like several other members of the Junior Sens, he came up through the organization’s U18 program, playing under the tutelage of Steve Malette. His ultimate goal is to play hockey at the NCAA or University level, while completing his education. Currently, the 18-year-old is continuing his studies part-time at Ottawa University.

In the meantime, the local resident is enjoying his time in the CCHL. His mom and dad (Steve and Debra) and friends are able to attend to Junior Sens home games. On the road, Grabner said he enjoys the atmosphere at away rinks such as Pembroke and Carleton Place.

The intensity of the games, and the atmosphere at the rinks, is just heating up now that the Bogart Cup playoffs have begun.

“Everything is turned up a few notches now,” Grabner said. “My role is be a shutdown defender. That’s even more important now.”