The Barrie Colts took a serious run at an OHL championship this season and while they came up short in a disappointing sweep at the hands of the Oshawa Generals, the pieces are there to extend the contending window at least another year.
The Colts could have up to 18 returning players from a team that placed first in the Central Division and made it to the Eastern Conference finals.
While captain Beau Jelsma, Dalyn Wakely, Tristan Bertucci, and Owen Van Steensel are moving on, it’s expected Cole Beaudoin, top NHL draft prospect Kashawn Aitcheson, Emil Hemming, and goalie Ben Hrebik will return to lead a team that should have a chance to repeat as division champions.
Here’s a look at who is moving on, who is expected back, and who will take on a bigger role next season from this year’s roster.
GOALTENDERS
SAM HILLEBRANDT – The Florida native and playoff starter over the last two seasons announced last week he has committed to play next season at Ohio State University. The newest Buckeye was a free agent signee with the Colts and quickly established himself as the starter. He was a two-time gold medal winner with the U.S. at the world junior hockey championships.
“I am proud to announce my commitment to The Ohio State University,” said the 21-year-old, who will pass on his overage OHL season, in a tweet on X. “I want to thank all of my coaches, teammates, friends, and my family, who have helped me get to this point.
“I would also like to thank the Barrie Colts for an incredible last 3 years and an amazing junior career.”
BEN HREBIK – The six-foot-three, 200-pound Milton native not only established himself as a starting OHL goaltender, but his numbers were among the league’s best, and he put himself on the radar for this year’s NHL draft. He will be Barrie’s starter next season.
ARVIN JASWAL – The rookie didn’t make any starts this season, but he gained valuable experience backing up the starters and practicing with the club this season. The 2024 sixth-round pick will look to lock up the backup role behind Hrebik next season.
DEFENCEMEN
KASHAWN AITCHESON – The third-year Colt is coming off a huge season where he set a franchise record for goals by a blueline (26) and established himself as one of the top physical defenders in junior hockey. Scouts say he could go as high as the Top 10 in this year’s NHL draft. He will most likely return next season to anchor the Barrie blueline.
TRISTAN BERTUCCI – The Colts paid a big price to acquire the Dallas Stars’ second-round pick from Flint before the season, but they certainly got their money’s worth. Bertucci was a force on the blueline and played major minutes. May have been Barrie’s best overall defenceman. It’s a short stay for this talented player who will certainly turn pro next season.
BEAU AKEY – In his return from major surgery on both shoulders, Akey played for the Canadian national team at the world junior championships. The signed Edmonton Oilers’ second-round pick struggled at times after his return from worlds, but it’s expected he’ll make the jump to pro hockey next season.
GABRIEL ELIASSON – Don Cherry took shots at how tough Swedish players were, but he hasn’t met Eliasson. The six-foot-seven, 214-pound defender is as tough as they come, finishing fifth in the league in penalty minutes (116). The Ottawa Senators prospect will continue his development in Barrie next season, where he is certain to take a more prominent role.
GRAYSON TILLER – The veteran defender enjoyed his best junior season and should have an overage spot locked up as well as a spot in the top four next season.
EVAN PASSMORE – Big six-foot-four, 210-pound defender put himself on this year’s NHL draft radar with a simple game that showed he could fill the role as a depth defender in the pro ranks. He’ll return to a more prominent role on the Barrie blueline next season.
JUSTIN HANDSOR – Second-year defender got into 50 games this season and is expected to play a full-time role on the point next season. Steady defender who is at his best when he keeps it simple and is physical.
ETHAN ARMSTRONG – The 2023 Barrie pick started the season in the BCHL before joining the Colts in late January after the changes to NCAA scholarship eligibility. Got into 14 games before being sitting though the playoffs, but he’s likely to have a regular role on blueline next season.
NOAH BARTON – The 2024 second-rounder got into just two games, but he’ll look to earn a full-time roster spot next season.
TEAGUE VADER – The 2023 fifth-rounder dressed for one game and will look to earn a full-time roster spot next season.
COLE EMERTON – The Colts have signed the third-round pick in the 2024 OHL draft, and he’s expected to compete for a spot on the roster next season.
FORWARDS
BEAU JELSMA – Barrie captain has wrapped up his four-year career in Barrie. A player who wore his heart on his sleeve every time he stepped on the ice, Jelsma announced recently he has committed to play NCAA Division 1 hockey at Providence College in Rhode Island this fall.
DALYN WAKELY – Overage forward was a leader the day he arrived in a deal early in the season from North Bay. Edmonton Oilers didn’t sign the talented two-way centre, but it’s likely he gets an invite to an NHL or pro camp early this fall.
OWEN VAN STEENSEL – Acquired at deadline from North Bay in a blockbuster deal, the overage forward was a force for Barrie in the playoffs. The Ilderton native recently announced his commitment to Clarkson University for next season.
ANTHONY ROMANI – Acquired at the trade deadline from North Bay, the proven scorer delivered. The Vancouver Canucks draft pick scored 19 times in 29 regular season games with Barrie and then lit it up in playoffs with 12 goals and 24 points in 16 playoff games. The Canucks have yet to sign the sniper, who recently announced he has committed to play at Michigan State University next season.
COLE BEAUDOIN – The Utah first-round pick was a force all season and should be back to lead the Colts next year. He should get a long look in camp with the newly-named Mammoth and possibly start the season in the NHL. Then again, with how hard this guy works, don’t be surprised if he makes it difficult for Utah to send him down.
EMIL HEMMING – The Dallas Stars first-rounder got off to a bit of a slow start but finished strong after helping Finland win silver at the world junior hockey championships. He’ll get a long look at the Stars’ NHL camp, but it’s expected he’ll continue his development next season in Barrie where he’ll play top minutes on the power play.
RILEY PATTERSON – The Vancouver Canucks’ fourth-rounder in 2024 is expected to return where he’ll play a leading role with the Colts after posting just short of a point game this season. He finished tied with Aitcheson for the first in team scoring with 59 points.
BRAD GARDINER – Aurora native has yet to sign a pro contract after being selected in the third round of the 2023 NHL draft by the Dallas Stars and is eligible to return for an overage season in Barrie.
BODE STEWART – Veteran winger finished the season strong in the conference finals against Oshawa. Oakville native is expected to play a much more prominent scoring role next season after just six goals in 65 games.
CARTER LOWE – Big third-year winger will look to build on his career-high of 16 goals this season. Could land a spot in the top six next season with a big camp.
JAIDEN NEWTON – Played the best hockey of his two-year career down the stretch and carried that momentum into the playoffs. A hard worker who isn’t afraid to get physical when needed. Should compete for a spot in the top nine after anchoring the fourth line his first two seasons.
JONAH MCCORMICK – Fourth pick in 2024 got into three playoff games after being brought on board late and left a solid impression with his willingness to battle low and in front of the net. Fitness buff showed he could fill a regular role next season.
MICHAEL DERBIDGE – Veteran winger will need to lock up a spot as an overager next season.
SAM BLACK – The rookie forward got into 16 games and will look to earn a regular role next season.
JACK MARTIN – Free agent forward got into 21 games and will look to earn a regular role next season.
COLE DUBOWSKY – Gritty forward played 22 games and will look to earn a roster spot at camp next season.
SIGNED PLAYERS WHO COULD BREAK CAMP – Ben Bowen (2024 2nd Rd.), Cole Emerton (2024 3rd Rd.), William Schneid (2023 15th Rd.), and Christian Armstrong (2024 4th Rd.).
