Henry Mews didn’t just learn the game of hockey, he was raised in it. The 18-year-old defenseman’s rise from a young boy shooting pucks in his basement to a top prospect with the Calgary Flames is the story of a dream relentlessly pursued. It’s also the story of a young player who not only had talent but the tools to succeed, from his father’s guidance to his own unique journey as a player, Mews is the real deal.
Growing up in Ottawa, Mews’ father Harry—a former professional hockey player who was drafted by the Washington Capitals—was more than just a parent. He was a mentor, a coach, and an invaluable source of hockey wisdom. While Mews’ father may have spent time in the minor leagues, his experience was instrumental in shaping the young prospect’s hockey path. “Having a dad who’s been there before gave me someone to lean on,” Mews explains, reflecting on the benefits of his father’s experience at the pro level.
The Backyard Rink: Where It All Began
Before Mews was a highly sought-after defenseman, he was a kid obsessed with scoring goals. It’s no surprise—given his offensive dynamism—that his earliest memories of hockey were spent on outdoor rinks, with a stick in his hands and a puck on the ice. “My dad built a backyard rink. That’s where I started skating and shooting pucks every day with him,” he says. For Mews, those outdoor games were more than just fun—they helped shape the offensive instincts that would later define his game.
As a young player, Mews had dreams of one day playing in the NHL, watching the Ottawa Senators and soaking in the energy of every game developed this desire to make the big leagues. “Growing up in Ottawa, watching the Sens was a huge inspiration for me to play in the NHL one day,” he adds, underscoring his commitment to the sport from an early age.
A Forward’s Mindset, A Defenseman’s Game
Mews’ path to becoming a top-tier defenseman was unconventional—he started his hockey journey as a forward. “I wanted to have the puck more and score more goals,” Mews admits. “It’s a huge part of why I’m a good defenseman today. I worked at developing skills that many other defensemen may not have focused on while I was playing forward.” It is safe to say that this ideology has proved to be a successful recipe for Mews, as he currently has 33 points in only 26 games as a defenseman in the Ontario Hockey League.
However, his transition from forward to defense has had its challenges. When Mews moved to the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) to play for one of the top U16 teams in the world, that was only his first full year as a defenseman, albeit some experience in the position during informal spring hockey . “The only downside was my limited experience with D, skills like having good gap control take time to learn…so my first year in the OHL was only my second year as a full time defenseman,” Mews explained.
A Forward’s Mindset, A Defenseman’s Game
Mews’ path to becoming a top-tier defenseman was unconventional—he started his hockey journey as a forward. “I wanted to have the puck more and score more goals,” Mews admits. “It’s a huge part of why I’m a good defenseman today. I worked at developing skills that many other defensemen may not have focused on while I was playing forward.” It is safe to say that this ideology has proved to be a successful recipe for Mews, as he currently has 34 points in only 27 games as a defenseman in the Ontario Hockey League.
However, his transition from forward to defense has had its challenges. When Mews moved to the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) to play for one of the top U16 teams in the world, that was only his first full year as a defenseman, albeit some experience in the position during informal spring hockey. “The only downside was my limited experience with D, skills like having good gap control take time to learn…so my first year in the OHL was only my second year as a full time defenseman,” Mews explained.
However, it is his offensive mindset, honed during his years as a forward, that made him stand out. “The offensive part of the game was there,” he says. “The defensive side is something I’ve worked hard at, and it’s something I can continue to improve at.” Thanks to his willingness to adapt and his ability to apply his skills to the blue line, Mews’ unique journey to defense has paid off.
From Ottawa to the OHL: A Cinderella Story
When Mews was drafted by the Ottawa 67’s, it marked the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. But the road wasn’t easy. Leaving Ottawa at 15 to play in the GTHL and then returning to play in his hometown was a bold move—one that paid off. Mews took full advantage of the opportunity to develop with elite competition, eventually securing a spot on the 67’s, propelling himself to the next stage of his career. He mentioned the convenience of living at home and how it has helped him during these high pressure years of junior hockey.,
“It’s nice to live at home, and it’s worked so far,” Mews says with a smile. “It’s been a success.” The move proved to be a pivotal moment, as Mews quickly made a name for himself as a top junior prospect. It is one of those full circle moments that Mews and his family can look fondly upon now, as things appear to be shaping up quite nicely for the confident blueliner.
Hockey Canada and European Adventures
As if his OHL career weren’t impressive enough, Mews also earned a spot on Canada’s U18 team, taking part in an international tournament in Europe. Reflecting on the experience, Mews recalls the unique atmosphere and intensity of European crowds. “The small beds, big arenas, and the crowd’s energy—it felt like a soccer game,” he says, drawing a comparison to the vibrant fan bases that pack European soccer stadiums. Whether they are signing songs or performing European chants, Mews felt this crowd atmosphere made the Hockey Canada experience all the more special.
Of course, it wasn’t all about hockey. “The French players on the team were hilarious, joking around with them and having fun. I’ll always remember the bus trips and exploring Turin,” Mews recalls, smiling as he remembers the camaraderie that made his time with Hockey Canada truly special.
Learning from Dave Cameron
One of the key factors in Mews’ growth as a player has been his relationship with Ottawa 67’s head coach Dave Cameron. “He’s been really hard on me, but he’s also been challenging me to continue to practice and compete at the pro level, even though I was sent back to junior,” Mews explained. Cameron’s focus on defense has been crucial in Mews’ development, helping him fine-tune the aspects of his game that need work. “The defensive side I’m learning, and I trust my coach,” Mews adds. It’s clear that Mews is taking Cameron’s advice to heart, recognizing that the defensive side of his game will be his next big challenge as he pushes for a professional contract.
A Glimpse into Calgary
Mews recently had the opportunity to attend Calgary Flames development camp, an experience that left a lasting impression. Not only did he get a chance to showcase his skills, but he also got to experience the culture of Calgary, particularly during the iconic Calgary Stampede. “The Stampede was the best part,” Mews says. “Getting to see Tate McRae perform and feeling the hype around the event was eye-opening. The city is incredible, and golfing in the mountains was an unforgettable experience.”
Having friends already drafted to Calgary, Mews felt right at home, soaking in the city’s excitement and the laid-back summer vibes. “It was great to explore the city, and knowing a few of the other draft picks made everything more comfortable,” he says.
Mentorship from Mackenzie Weegar
Another key influence in Mews’ development has been Mackenzie Weegar, a full time defenseman with the Flames. “Mackenzie’s been a huge role model for me,” Mews shares. “He’s always had my back during summer training, introducing me to new people in Calgary and offering candid advice throughout the summers training together. He told me to take in as much as I can and apply it to my game now, even though I won’t be in the NHL for a few years. That’s helped me a lot as I started the year.”
Looking Ahead
As Mews’ junior career continues to flourish, his sights are set on even bigger goals, including making Canada’s World Junior team. He’s already experienced success, but he’s driven by the prospect of playing at the highest level. “My next goal is to make the World Junior team next year,” Mews says confidently.
In the end, Henry Mews’ journey is one of hard work, support, and an unshakable belief in himself. From the backyard rinks of Ottawa to a successful junior career, he’s proven that with the right mindset, anything is possible. And for Mews, this is just the beginning.
Written by Sullivan Sparkes
Sullivan Sparkes is a sports writer with a professional background in both playing and analyzing hockey. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, he played in the OHL, QMJHL, and professionally in the ECHL. With a deep understanding of the sport from both on and off the ice, he brings a unique perspective to his writing.