The NHL Draft, a virtual affair for the first time, wrapped up yesterday and after two days and 217 player selections, three players with connections to Barrie had their names called by NHL teams.
After Barrie Colts forward Tyson Foerster was taken 23rd in Tuesday’s first round of the NHL Draft, it was a long wait before Barrie hockey fans had something more to cheer about.
But two names in the 5th round made the wait worthwhile.
Colts centre Evan Vierling was picked 127th overall by the New York Rangers. The 18-year-old native of Aurora played 28 games in the OHL with Barrie last season, putting up 34 points (12 G, 22 A). Vierling came over to the Colts in a January trade with the Flint Firebirds after playing 15 games where he picked up 10 points (2 G, 8 A).
Just 14 picks later, Barrie teen Isaak Phillips was taken by the Chicago Blackhawks, 141st overall.
The 19-year-old defenceman played two seasons with the Sudbury Wolves, contributing 40 points (12 G, 28 A) over 131 games. Shortly after being drafted, Phillips told OHL TV that it “was a long day for sure but I don’t think it could have played out any better.”
Phillips’ father is from the Caribbean and the draftee played for Team Jamaica at the Team Elite Prospect Hockey Showcase tournament in 2018, calling it a special experience getting to play with kids where “most of us grew up the only Black kid on our team, the only Black kid in your room.”
Colts players Ethan Cardwell and Anthony Tabak did not have their names called this year while Barrie minor hockey graduates James Hardie and Alec Belanger will also have to wait a little longer for the possible call to the big leagues.
