The Barrie Colts scored early and often as they walloped the Hamilton Bulldogs in Game 1 of their first-round series to open the Ontario Hockey League playoffs Thursday night.
When the final buzzer sounded at Sadlon Arena, it was a decisive 10-2 victory for Barrie over the defending OHL champions.
Colts captain Brandt Clarke set a new single-game, career-high for points with six, including two goals and four assists. The Los Angeles Kings' first-round pick earned player-of-the-game honours with his big night.
But there was plenty of offence to go around for Barrie.
Overage forward Declan McDonnell opened the scoring 6:40 into the first period and finished the game with three points (2G, 1A). Beau Jelsma added two goals and two helpers while Tai York also tallied two goals and an assist.
Florida Panthers prospect Braden Haché picked up four assists while Roenick Jodoin chipped in with three.
Colts goalie Anson Thornton turned aside 22 of 24 shots he faced to pick up the win.
The announced attendance for the game was 3,634 fans.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series goes Saturday night at Sadlon Arena. Puck drops shortly after 7:30 p.m. Click here for tickets.
The remaining series schedule is as follows:
Game 2 — Saturday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., Sadlon Arena
Game 3 — Sunday, April 2, 7 p.m., at FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton
Game 4 — Tuesday, April 4, 7 p.m., at Hamilton
Game 5 — Thursday, April 6, 7:30 p.m., at Barrie *
Game 6 — Monday, April 10, 7 p.m., at Hamilton *
Game 7 — Tuesday, April 11, 7:30 p.m., at Barrie *
* if necessary
