Colts open training camp today ‘expecting big things’

Marty Williamson has been through quite a few OHL training camps and there’s always a buzz in the air when it comes to opening day.

Monday’s fitness testing will kick off his 15th camp, but the Barrie Colts general manager and head coach admits he’s feeling a little more excited about this camp opener.

“I’ve been through a lot of these training camps, and it’s funny because we do get excited for each and every one for different reasons,” said Williamson, who expects his club to be among the league’s contenders in this his ninth season behind the Colts’ bench. “Whether you’re a young team and trying to achieve or you’ve made some trades and you know that you’re a contender. I think that’s our feeling (to contend) this year talking to our players.

“When you talk to a (Beau) Akey or a (Beau) Jelsma, Cole Beaudoin and (Riley) Patterson they’re expecting big things this year and I feel the same way.”

A big part of that optimism comes from a solid finish to the season and then nearly knocking off the eventual East Conference winning Oshawa Generals in the opening round.

After missing most of last season with double shoulder surgery, Akey admits watching his young teammates push hard and with 21 players from that roster eligible to return this season has him excited about all the possibilities.

“We got good players like Jelsma, who really proved himself last year as a great goal scorer and playmaker in the league, so it’s pretty exciting seeing guys like him,” said the Edmonton Oilers prospect. “Guys like Bode Stewart and obviously Beaudoin and Patterson getting drafted. Seeing those guys really unleash their true potential, it’s been great and it’s really exciting to be able to come back to a team like that.”

Williamson liked what he heard from his players in a Zoom call earlier this month. Having veteran leads like Beaudoin (Utah) and Patterson (Vancouver) go through their first NHL camps will also help in the continued growth of their own games and the ability to share those experiences with their teammates.

“There’s lots to work on, we’ve got to prove our worth, but I think we’re going to be one of the contenders,” said Williamson. “The East is very strong this year, there’s five teams that I can tell you are all very good. We’re going to have to prove our worth, and if we prove our worth then maybe it’s those deadline additions instead of selling.

“Making big additions that add to the team, so we can take a shot at it.”

 The Colts have already made what they believe will be two impact moves with the addition of a pair of Dallas Stars top prospects.

The club used its first-round CHL Import pick on “elite scorer” and Stars’ 29th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft Emil Hemming and then bolstered the blueline in a big way when they landed Dallas’ 2023 second-round pick Triston Bertuzzi in a three-way deal with the Flint Firebirds and Niagara IceDogs.

“I went to the world junior showcase and this is a pretty impressive young man,” Williamson said of Hemming.

The smooth-skating Bertucci will join a blueline that already includes Akey, top NHL draft prospect Kashawn Aitcheson and veteran Grayson Tiller.

“He’s probably in the top five defencemen in the league,” Williamson said of Bertucci. “We’ve added another impact defenceman.”

“He’s one of these kids that plays 30 minutes a night,” Williamson added. “He just skates so well. He reminds me of a bigger TJ Brodie, that kind of player. I think he’s going to be just a huge addition to us.”

Williamson says if there is one player to watch in camp whom he believes will be taking a big step forward this season it is veteran winger Stewart.

While he showed flashes of his skills last year, the Oakville native should improve on his 13 goals and 26 points last season.

“Body is going to have a big year for us,” said the Colts coach. “He’s obviously a big guy.”

Overager Zach Wigle had 15 goals after the Christmas holiday break, while Shamar Moses, the team’s first-round pick last year, is also expected to take a big step in his development as a power forward.

“Shamar has put the work in,” said Williamson. “His body looks great.”

Williamson says Colts fans will also be able to get their first look at top pick Parker Vaughan. The eighth overall pick from the U16 AAA Elgin-Middlesex Canucks, says Williamson, is a future star in the league.

“I know he’s young and we can’t put too many expectations on him, he’s a couple of years down the road of being a true impact player in the league,” he said of the young forward. “I think Parker is going to be able to step right in and play, and that’s pretty exciting.”

The Colts also appear set in goal with US world junior goaltender Sam Hillebrandt taking over the starting reigns last season and coming off a spectacular playoff performance against Oshawa.

“I saw him at the world junior showcase playing for Team USA and it looks like he’s gone to another level,” said Williamson. “He just looked really calm. I got the feeling watching him, unless something crazy happens with a deflection or that, you’re not beating him.

“He really has a presence in that net, so we’re excited for that.”

The Colts also used their second-round import pick to grab young Finnish goaltender Patrick Kerkola. The 17-year-old was Finland’s top goalie in the Ivan Hlinka tournament.

“I think we’ve got ourselves a really good tandem,” said Williamson.

Ben Hrebik will also be in the mix in the crease.

While Williamson believes his club will be among the contenders this season, their window isn’t closing unlike other contenders in the Eastern Conference.

“There’s a lot of teams that are good. Next year, a whole bunch of them go away,” he said. “They don’t have the two-year run in them like we have. There’s obviously some decisions that have to be made down the road, but I think we can be a real top-notch team for the next couple of years.”

The on-ice portion of camp this year begins Tuesday morning and runs through to Thursday evening’s tradition blue and white scrimmage at the Sadlon Arena at 6p.m.

BARRIE COLTS 2024 TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE

Tuesday, August 27th 

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Navy vs Gold  

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: White vs Red  

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Navy vs White

5:45 PM – 7:15 PM: Red vs Gold

Wednesday, August 28th 

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: White vs Gold

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Navy vs Red

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: 3rd Place vs 4th Place

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: 1st Place vs 2nd Place

Thursday, August 29th

6:00 PM:  Blue vs White (free hot dog and drink)

All scrimmages are open to the public to attend.

A roster sheet will be made available each morning. 

First Preseason Home Game

Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6:00 PM:  Oshawa Generals vs. Barrie Colts