Marty Williamson sees a little bit of Ethan Cardwell in his newest addition to the Barrie Colts lineup.
In search of some scoring to boost an offence that has lacked finish, the Colts head coach officially announced the signing Monday afternoon of Greater Sudbury Cubs forward and Colts prospect Nolan Newton.
The 2022 Barrie fifth-round OHL Priority Selection pick (93rd overall) was off to an impressive start with the Cubs in the Northern Ontario Junior A Hockey League, scoring 19 goals and adding 20 assists for 39 points in 17 games.
The five-foot-10, 173-pound centre was fourth in league scoring and along with former Colt Oliver Smith has the Cubs off to a 16-5 start, good enough for top spot in the West Division.
“He’s a right-shot finisher. Reminds me a little bit of Cardwell, but he’s got to go through a process,” Williamson said of the new 17-year-old addition up front. “It’s another talented player to add to that (2006) group.”
Cardwell, who is with the San Jose Sharks AHL affiliate this season, developed into one of the OHL’s top scorers and while Williamson says Newton still has work ahead to reach that level of game, the talent is certainly there.
“It’s going to take him a little bit of time, like (Riley) Patterson, but he’s been impressive,” he said of Newton. “He put up the numbers in the NOJHL. You don’t do that without having some high-end talent.”
A native of French River, Newton is expected to be in the lineup this weekend.
“It’s pretty exciting watching him at practice,” said Williamson.
Barrie returns to action Thursday night when they host the Kingston Frontenacs. Game time at Sadlon Arena is 7 p.m.
Banner image via the Barrie Colts
