The 2017-2018 Barrie Colts plan on being different than last year’s version of the OHL club; much different.
Last year’s Colts finished with a record of 17 wins and 51 losses, giving them a last place finish in the league and having them miss the playoffs for only the second time in franchise history. The last time Barrie missed the post-season was 2010/2011 and they followed that by drafting phenom Aaron Ekblad and having a very successful next few years, even making the OHL finals in 2012/2013. This year’s squad has a new look with nine players debuting on the roster heading into tonight’s home opener against the Ottawa 67’s. Colts General Manager Jason Ford sees a little similarity between that team that missed the playoffs seven years ago and this one now.
“For sure there’s a little similarity,” said Ford. “You never want to miss the playoffs but when you look at how we were able to build this season’s upcoming team, you’re able to feel a little good about hockey this season. There is an air of optimism but you still have to take it year by year and not put too much on emphasis on immediate success.”
From Russia with love!
Russian forwards Andrei Svechnikov (2017) and Alexey Lipanov (2016) were grabbed at the CHL Import Draft and while both are expected to be offensively beneficial, all eyes are on Svechnikov who is expected to go first in the NHL draft this year. The Colts finished second last in goals against last season but the fire power acquired should go a long way to help third-year Colt Lucas Chiodo. Chiodo finished second on Barrie’s scoring list last year and the addition of Svechnikov and Lipanov along with the highly touted Ryan Suzuki, the Colts first overall pick in the recent OHL draft, should help in making sure the dismal scoring drive becomes a thing of the past at the Barrie Molson Centre.
“It’s not a stretch to call Svechnikov one of the best year 2000 talents in the world,” said Ford. “Andrei trains like a pro and while we try to be subjective in watching him, sometimes you see him do things with the puck and you shake your head; he’s a special talent. That’s not to take away from Alexey who is fantastic in his own right and of course everyone is happy with the quick progress of Ryan Suzuki.”
The past few years have seen the Colts crease be a very crowded place as sometimes three net minders were vying for the right to start each night. Barrie coaching staff has alleviated the uncertainty for the upcoming season as Colts Christian Propp will share ice-time with OHL overager Leo Lazarev, who was picked up by Barrie two weeks ago in a trade with Ottawa.
If defence wins championships, Barrie is setting up the future of their blue-line for success. A series of trades last year left the Colts with a very young defensive core, with Justin Murray as the lone non-rookie. As a team that has prided itself in a strong defence who work hard and grind every minute, Barrie will again have Murray to be a leader with young but skilled teammates looking to make it hard for opposition to find the net. Last year’s blueliner Kade Landry was an assist machine with 22 of his 23 points being helpers.
The first game goes tonight at the BMC at 7:30 p.m. when the Colts host the 67's.
Gibson’s predictions
Get your home playoff tickets early; this team is going to be good. The Colts of the 2017/2018 season are a lot better than last year’s squad and way more exciting. Not only will this team be fun to watch, but they will be fun to watch as they move up eight spots from last year’s 10th place finish in the Eastern Conference. This young team may not win the OHL title this year, and may not win two rounds in the post-season, but the Colts are built for years of success with these players and the possibility of a championship before the calendar hits 2020 is more than a hope.
Eastern Conference:
1. Mississauga Steelheads: Extremely skilled and some feel they were built to win this season, especially if they get players returning from the Big League.
2. Barrie Colts: While the on-ice product is much better, it’s the bench staff at their best here; Coach Dale Hawerchuk and his crew know how to build a winning squad from near-scratch.
3. Peterborough Petes: Built much like the Steelheads in that they are considered a team on the brink of an OHL title. Petes have everyone’s attention this year which may hurt them slightly in the standings, but not in the playoffs where they could match last year’s conference finish-or better.
4. Hamilton Bulldogs: When an entire blue-line returns, you’re bound to be a force. The Bulldogs will be strong if they can score; which shouldn’t be a problem with forward Matthew Strome leading the charge.
5. Oshawa Generals: Another perennial winning team who does what’s necessary to win. The 2014/2015 Memorial Cup champs and last year’s Eastern runners-up will finish strong again.
6. Niagara Ice Dogs: Goal scoring shouldn’t be an issue here with Akil Thomas will only best his 48 point performance from last year’s rookie season. Teamed up with 5th year IceDog Johnny Corneil, this squad could finish higher if these two forwards light it up.
7. Kingston Frontenacs: A team that could go higher and surprise a few opponents should the offense click.
8. North Bay Battalion: Gritty, tough and ugly hockey at times- but it works. Always the dark-horse coming into an OHL season, the Battalion can never be slept on.
9. Sudbury Wolves: A playoff finish is unlikely here. The scoring power is just not there but playing in the Wolves den is always a hit and miss for visiting teams.
Western Conference:
1. Owen Sound Attack: Just a powerhouse this year.
2. Soo Greyhounds: The Soo will battle for first overall with the Attack.
3. London Knights: Ugh. Go away.
4. Sarnia Sting: Goals. Many goals.
5. Kitchener Rangers: The Rangers could actually finish higher, but until they show consistency they will take this spot.
6. Saginaw Spirit: With the Otters looking at a rebuild, the Spirit will be the best chance to make America’s OHL dream great again.
7. Guelph Storm: I didn’t give the Storm their due last year and they made me look silly. Playoffs for sure, how high in the standings is up to a young squad.
8. Windsor Spitfires: Definitely a rebuild year for the team that successfully went all in last year. No way getting a Memorial Cup this year, only reason for me rating them this low is they will be thinking more 2021 than 2018.
9. Flint Firebirds: Maybe higher, but I can’t bring myself to trust the process in Flint.
10. Erie Otters: Knock knock. Who’s there? No one... just no one.
