The Barrie Colts continued their preparations for late-August training camp on Thursday, announcing three key additions: a veteran forward to bolster their offence and two key hockey operations personnel.
In what has already been an active offseason, the OHL club announced the acquisition of forward Luca Testa from the Brantford Bulldogs, alongside the hiring of Assistant General Manager Blake Ricci and Director of Goaltending Frank Palazzese.
With a young roster rebuilding after back-to-back deep playoff runs, the Colts helped address a need for scoring by sending a 2030 fifth-round pick and a conditional 2029 14th-round selection to the Bulldogs for Testa.
“That’s exactly the reason behind the move,” Colts General Manager Marty Williamson said of trading for the overage forward. “He had 15 goals last year in 50 games and missed big chunks of the season. With a full season, we believe he’s a guy who can give us 30 goals.”
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Grimsby native has yet to play a full campaign in the OHL, having battled injuries throughout his previous four seasons.
“All through minor hockey, this has been a go-to guy,” added Williamson of the former 15th overall pick by the London Knights in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. “Unfortunately, in Brantford, with a deep roster that included NHL prospects like Jake O’Brien and Caleb Malhotra, he had to play a different role.”
Testa will now have the opportunity to step into a starring role with Barrie rather than the supporting capacity he filled in Brantford. Williamson is well-acquainted with Testa, who played alongside Williamson’s son, Sam, on the St. Catharines Falcons when the Junior B club won the Sutherland Cup in 2022.
The Bulldogs originally sought second- and fourth-round selections before settling on the final trade terms.
“When I spoke to him Thursday morning, he was excited to be a go-to guy,” said Williamson. “We need someone who can play on the top power-play unit, and that’s what he brings. It’s a great addition, and I’m really happy with it.”
The Colts also strengthened their front office by bringing in Ricci. The former Toronto Patriots general manager helped lead the OJHL club to a national Buckland Cup championship last season.
He will work closely with Williamson and Colts President John Winstanley.
“Their leadership and experience will provide an invaluable opportunity for me to continue learning and developing while contributing to [owner] John Careri’s long-term vision for the organization,” Ricci said. “This is an exciting time for the Barrie Colts, and I look forward to contributing to our growth and success both on and off the ice.”
Williamson believes it is a well-deserved promotion for Ricci to the OHL level.
“Blake has been extremely successful, and he’s just a solid individual,” Williamson said. “I’ve really enjoyed my conversations with him. It’s a great addition for our team, and guys like him deserve these opportunities. I remember working through Tier II until I got my break with Barrie. He’s accomplished an awful lot at that level and earned this chance.”
Williamson acknowledged that he is keeping his own long-term future in mind as well.
“I know I’m here for four more years, but we need someone who understands the league and can step in when the time is right,” he said. “That’s why the timing is really good for Blake.”
The departure of goaltending coach Dave Belitski hit Williamson hard. Belitski, who joined the club in 2021, stepped down to focus on his family and business.
“You won’t find a bigger Dave Belitski fan than me, and what he did in handling our goalies was fantastic,” Williamson said. “Dave has some things he wants to take care of and do, and I totally understand the move. It was tough. He was in tears, and we were hugging when he made the decision about leaving us. He and I have grown very tight.”
In Palazzese, the Colts land a new goaltending director with extensive experience. The five-year OHL veteran netminder held similar positions with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, Sarnia Sting, and most recently, Brantford.
Williamson noted that working with Belitski underscored just how vital the Director of Goaltending position is.
“To get a guy like Frankie, who is experienced and successful, that’s a really good pickup for us,” Williamson said, adding that Palazzese is close friends with head coach Dylan Smoskowitz. “That’s a real positive, that they can work together, similar to the way Dave and I did.”
Palazzese expressed his enthusiasm for joining the organization.
“Barrie is an elite organization in the OHL, and it’s an honour to join the staff led by Dylan Smoskowitz,” he said. “I am eager to bring my expertise and knowledge to the Barrie Colts and to build their goaltending department with strength for years to come. I look forward to contributing to our goal of bringing an OHL Championship and Memorial Cup to Barrie.”
The Colts open training camp on August 24 at Sadlon Arena.
