Jack Duff Joins Elite Company In Erie
Things didn’t look great for Jack Duff four seasons ago.
A highly touted OHL draft pick, Duff joined the Chatham Maroons as a 16-year-old before suffering a knee injury that cost him most of his year.
Now, the 6’3″ Duff is coming off his first season serving as captain of the OHL’s Erie Otters, joining an elite group of players who have donned the “C” in Erie.
“It was a huge honour and I’m very grateful for them naming me as the captain,” Duff said.
“In our dressing room there’s a wall of all the past captains and to be among them is very cool. There is so big names up on that wall, so I got some big shoes to fill for sure.”
Some of those past captains include NHLers Connor McDavid, Dylan Strome, Connor Brown, and Greg McKegg.
Duff spent 14 games with the Chatham Maroons during his 16-year-old campaign, and once he rehabbed from his knee surgery, Duff was recalled by the Erie Otters for the playoffs. Since that moment, he’s been a staple with the OHL franchise.
“It has been super fun and has been the best years of my life so far,” said Duff about playing in Erie.
His four year Junior career has been a roller coaster thus far, including an OHL championship in that injury plagued rookie year.
“We ended up winning the OHL championship, which was super exciting. Just to see all those high end players and see where most of them are now is eye opening for sure. After that the next few years we have been rebuilding and we have had a couple tough years. This year we made it to the playoffs but it was cut short due to COVID-19. But all the relationships I’ve made, new people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had it’s been super fun, I couldn’t be happier.”
Since COVID-19, Duff has been working on stick handling and puckhandling on his rollerblades, and of course training for next season, while also doing his part to stay home and stay safe.
Now, with the OHL announcing their return to play plan, Duff is turning his focus toward his overage season, and his playing career beyond the OHL.
“Hopefully I play well enough to be asked to step up to play pro. If not I’ll be going to school somewhere and continue to play hockey.”