Orillia's Colby Barlow has added a gold medal to his trophy case after he and his team won the new Capital City Challenge, featuring the top 2005-born players from across Canada.
The tournament was the 16-year-old's first opportunity to play with Canada’s Program of Excellence, which provides an opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills against others in their age group.
“It’s always an honour to wear the leaf, and it was a huge honour to win the tournament and receive a gold medal,” he said.
Barlow and Canada Black went undefeated at the four-team tournament.
Canada Black opened the three-day event with a 7-2 win over Canada Red and followed that up with a 4-1 triumph over Canada's National Women's Team.
Barlow and his squad then crushed Canada White 10-5, before earning a come-from-behind 4-3 overtime win over the national women's team to earn a berth in the gold-medal game, where they defeated Canada Red, 5-4, in overtime.
Playing against Team Canada’s national women’s team was an eye-opener, Barlow explained.
“They are an amazing team, and it was an honour to play against them before they head off to Beijing for the Olympics. It was a good experience to see how hard they work. They are going to do great this winter and I wish them all the best,” Barlow said.
The tournament was a one-time replacement for the World Under-17 Challenge.
“It was one of the coolest things I’ve been a part of with hockey. It was a proud moment and a massive honour to win that tournament,” Barlow said.
In the five games played, Barlow netted a goal and contributed a couple of assists for a total of three points.
“I feel like I played well defensively to help my team first and foremost, then the offence followed,” he said.
Barlow says his main takeaway from the tournament was learning how to prepare on game day and act like a professional.
“I learned how to handle myself before and after the games, looking business casual while going everywhere, wearing Hockey Canada gear, it was a massive learning experience,” he said.
Barlow says wearing the maple leaf on his chest is something he would like to do more of as his hockey career continues.
“It was really cool to wear the leaf here for the very first time and to be a part of the Hockey Canada experience. It’s always been a dream of mine to wear the leaf for the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, so I’m now even more driven to keep pushing and working hard toward that goal,” he said.
In 19 games with the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack, the former North Central Predator 'AAA' player has 10 goals and two assists, for 12 points on his rookie campaign.
“It’s going really well. Our team is coming together, we are working hard to keep winning games. We have a great group of guys with great coaches and I’m really thankful that I’m in Owen Sound,” he said.
The Attack are in third place in the Midwest Division with a record of 10-9-1.
“It’s been a big jump for me playing in the OHL, but I’ve been adapting, and I’m starting to find my step and get into a groove,” Barlow said.
“I’m working more and more in the gym and in practice. It’s definitely a good feeling to keep up and I'm have a lot of fun as well.”
