When Chiwetin Blacksmith became available Ottawa Junior Senators General Manager and Coach Martin Dagenais quickly looked to add the sizable winger to his roster.

Dagenais acquired the rights to the 6-2, 194-pounder from the Gloucester Rangers to help for the stretch run. Blacksmith joined Ottawa in January and went on to score nine goals and eight assists in 23 matches as the Junior Senators again won the CCHL’s Yzerman Division.

“It was a great fit for me and the guys welcomed me right away,” said Blacksmith, who has often been used on a line with Luke McCaw and Isaac Anderson. “The coaches had confidence and gave me a lot of ice time even though I was the new guy.”

Blacksmith had been playing for the Gatineau Olympiques in the QMJHL, but was released after playing in 22 games with five points. Blacksmith had a strong debut in Gatineau during the 2015-16 season, getting into 26 games and scoring 13 points, including five goals, plus another two tallies in five playoff games. He also spent parts of two seasons with the OHL’s Barrie Colts.

The left-handed shooter has seen action on the Junior Senators power play and has shown an ability to find open teammates with on-the-tape passes. He’s also shown that he can hold his own on the defensive side of the ice.

“I see my role as being a point producer, someone who sets up big goals,” said Blacksmith, who has patterned his play after the Washington Capitals Nicholas Backstrom. “I’m good with the puck and I like to make things happen. I also enjoy rushing the puck, once I pick up speed I can move pretty fast.”

The 19-year-old hails from Waswanipi, Quebec and his family later moved to Sudbury. Blacksmith’s given name, is translated in the Cree language as “North Wind.”  He is the youngest of five brothers and his dad often makes the six-plus hour drive to Ottawa to see his son play.

Blacksmith currently resides with an uncle in Gatineau, where he is attending school full-time. Next season he is planning to attend Ottawa University and eventually is hoping to play in the CIS.