Going into my interview with 67's alumni Jerrett DeFazio, I had no idea what an incredible learning experience waited for me right around the corner...
Jerrett started his OHL career on a bit of a controversial note. Being born and raised in Ottawa, and proud of it, he made it clear to other teams around the league that he would not report to anyone but Brian Kilrea and the 67's. Speculated to go second overall in the OHL draft, this was a bit of a problem as the 67's were selecting 12th. But Jerrett's decision paid off, and after having the chance to play for Brian Kilrea and Team Ontario the previous year at the U-17 Championship tournament, Jerrett started his junior career in his hometown in 1988. He would go on to play three seasons with the 67's. Three seasons that, he says, changed his whole outlook on life.
"It truly was the 67's that allowed me to understand a sense of community. Having been from Ottawa, playing for the 67's, I was quite often the team's representative during the summer, to work with many different charitable organizations. I think it was there, at a young age, I really understood the spirit of wanting to help."
A lesson, you will soon learn, he has carried with him since, and one that has played a huge role in how Jerrett's life thus far has played out.
Most of the stories Jerrett told me about his time in Ottawa revolved around Brian Kilrea. "Not only was it great to play for Brian for all the things he taught you as a hockey player," he says, "but more importantly than that, were all the things he was teaching you about life. For example, every time we'd go eat at a restaurant, coach Kilrea would make us get up, shake the hands of the server, the manager, and the cook to thank them for preparing the meal for us. He taught us a lot about life, and I would put Bert O'Brien in there as well."
One of the highlights for Jerrett was Killer's one-liners. "He'd have the team over at his house to watch videos of the games to see how we could improve. I was never a fast skater. One of the lines he said to me was 'Faz, look at you out there! It looks like you're walking up the ice!' Everyone in the room had a good chuckle about that."
Another memory he has of his time spent here is one hundreds of players share, "I know every single Anne Murray song, front to back. A little stereo at the front of the bus played Anne Murray relentlessly, all the way to Sault St. Marie and back. I have a deep admiration, or a dislike for Anne Murray, I'm not sure which yet... to this day still."
After graduating from the 67's, Jerrett went on to play university hockey, and obtain a degree in Sociology at St. Mary's University in Halifax. He then headed off to England to play professional hockey. He also spent some time within the Red Wings organization before his hockey career ended. From there, the choice was easy, according to Jerrett. "The experience with the 67's sort of shaped and molded me into this sort of person. Obviously first and foremost, I wanted to be a hockey player, but once that road closed the next natural progression was helping people." he says.
Jerrett became a police officer for five years before taking a job as a Behavioral Consultant for the Catholic School Board. He then moved east to Nova Scotia, where his wife and her family are originally from, and took a job at St. Francis Xavier University doing marketing and community development. While he was out east, Jerrett came across a job listing looking for a Director of Programs at the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, a club Jerrett himself, was a member of growing up.
"I was living out east and essentially saw the job posting for the position and applied. It was a natural fit for me because of my background. It all tied in nicely and I was fortunate to be selected for the role. I've been here three years now."
Hearing the sincerity and devotion in Jerrett's voice inspired me to learn more about the Boys and Girls Club, an interest which I expressed to him. I was lucky enough to be invited to their annual Christmas party for less fortunate children, and thought this would be a great experience to share with you all before we say goodbye for the holidays.
Stay tuned for part II...
Five things you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask...
Q. Funniest actor in your opinion?
A. Will Farrell.
Q. What song do you secretly know all the words to?
A. Video Killed the Radio Star.
Q. What do you spend way too much money on?
A. Eating out.
Q. Where's your happy place?
A. My family.
Q. What is your best dance move?
A. The Hockey Shuffle. (Taking the left foot and moving it to the right foot, and then taking the right foot and moving it across. You continually do that on the dance floor, and that's called the uncoordinated hockey shuffle.)
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