Third Year Veteran…Defenceman Rhett Cleverdon

Photo credit: Ethan van Diepen

By: Agrani Tiwari

Rhett Cleverdon’s hockey journey began at the age of three, inspired by his father, who instilled in him a love for the game. His father’s guidance, both as a mentor and a coach, shaped Cleverdon’s formative years and continues to influence his approach on and off the ice.

Having played in various leagues, Cleverdon’s early career included time in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) in the Toronto area, where he progressed from A to AA levels. By 16, he advanced to Junior C with the Campbellford Rebels during a challenging COVID season, before relocating to Ottawa for university and joining the Golden Knights. Over his three-year tenure with Ottawa West, he has become a key part of the team’s defence.

Known as a dynamic two-way defenceman, Cleverdon excels in reading the game, finding open teammates, and facilitating offensive plays. While he prides himself on his ability to watch plays develop from the back, he is continually working to add more physicality to his game. One of his goals this season is to score more frequently, ambitiously setting a new target of ten goals.

Cleverdon’s leadership extends off the ice, where he strives to create a supportive environment, encouraging open communication among teammates and coaches. His role as Assistant Captain has taught him the importance of vocal leadership, particularly in setting a positive example for younger players.

Beyond hockey, Cleverdon is deeply engaged in his aerospace engineering studies. His interest in the field is partly inspired by family connections and a longstanding curiosity about engineering. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and reading, with a disciplined balance between academics, athletics, and personal interests.

Cleverdon’s commitment to his team, coupled with his ambition in academics and hockey, has cemented him as a respected figure within the Ottawa West Golden Knights, both on the ice and within the larger hockey community. With aspirations to keep playing wherever possible, Cleverdon continues to focus on growth and camaraderie, contributing to his team’s success each season.