The Ontario Hockey League's Barrie Colts find themselves slotted at No. 8 in this week's Canadian Hockey League top-10 rankings for major junior teams.
The CHL announced the Week 13 edition of its rankings today for the 2024-25 season.
With four wins over their last six outings since the last rankings were released, the Colts (24-10-1-1) have climbed up a spot to a season-best eighth this week.
The Colts have six wins along with points in eight of their last 10 outings (6-2-1-1). They have also scored four goals or more in five of seven games dating back to Dec. 14.
"In the absence of Utah Hockey Club prospect Cole Beaudoin (13G-16A in 24 GP), Edmonton Oilers prospect Beau Akey (4G-15A in 25 GP), and goaltender Sam Hillebrandt (12-7-0-1 record, 2.93 goals-against average, .903 save percentage in 21 GP), who were representing their country at the 2025 world juniors in Ottawa, Edmonton Oilers prospect Dalyn Wakely (17G-17A in 28 GP) and Dallas Stars prospect Tristan Bertucci (5G-23A in 36 GP) stepped up," says the CHL website.
Wakely, with four goals and seven assists over last six games, and Bertucci, who had three goals and seven helpers in six games, led the Colts in scoring over their last six outings, while Vancouver Canucks prospect Riley Patterson (17G and 14A in 34 GP) leads the team with six goals over that stretch.
Barrie goaltender Ben Hrebik, with a 12-3-1 record, has also played well for the Colts. He was named the OHL goaltender of the month after going 6-1-1 record last month.
"Meanwhile, already set to get some talent back following the conclusion of the 2025 world juniors, the Colts acquired Vancouver Canucks prospect Anthony Romani (2G and 3A in 6 GP) and Owen Van Steensel (13G-13A in 36 GP) via a trade with the North Bay Battalion," says the CHL. "The move reunited Romani (who has been limited to six games played this season due to an injury) and Van Steensel with their former linemate, Dalyn Wakely, in Barrie, who together were a force, combining for a total of 301 points (138G-163A) for the Battalion in 2023-24."
The Colts are in Owen Sound tonight to take on the Attack (10-22-5). Puck drop is set for shortly after 7 p.m. at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
Barrie will be in Peterborough to take on the the Petes (8-24-6) on Thursday before hosting the fourth-ranked Kitchener Rangers (28-7-3) on Saturday night at Sadlon Arena.
With 26 wins and only two regulation losses over their last 29 games, the OHL's London Knights continue to hold down the No. 1 spot, a position they’ve held since Nov. 19.
Trailing in second is the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), who are amid an eight-game winning streak as they sit first in the QMJHL.
Lastly, rounding out the top three are the Western Hockey League's Everett Silvertips, who are riding a six-game point streak (4-0-1-1) as they hold a nine-point lead in the WHL.
Among the week's biggest risers are the Kitchener Rangers, who have reeled off six victories in a row. They moved up two spots in the rankings.
The next rankings will be released the week of Jan. 13, following the 14th week of regular-season action in all three member leagues of the CHL.
For information and details about each individual club ranked in the CHL’s latest top-10 rankings, click here.
