The Barrie Colts move Ben Hrebik to Guelph in another trade under new leadership
The Barrie Colts have traded goaltender Ben Hrebik to the Guelph Storm in exchange for three picks in the OHL Priority Selection.
Initially, the Storm announced that Hrebik was dealt for what was said to be a conditional 15th round pick. It has since been announced that the trade includes three picks, a second, a third, and a fifth, with the condition that Hrebik plays for Guelph this upcoming season. This news was first reported by Tony Saxon of Guelph Today.
According to Hrebik, he plans to join the Guelph Storm, forgoing his commitment to Providence College for this upcoming season, pushing his freshman status by a year to the 2027-28 NCAA season.
Hrebik, 20, was drafted by Barrie in the ninth round of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, working his way up to a starting role with the Colts, appearing with the team in 43 games last season with a 26-11-6 record along with a 2.81 GAA and a .920 SV% on the season.
In 79 OHL games, all with Barrie, Hrebik had a 47-21-8 record with a 2.87 GAA and .919 SV%. Hrebik appeared in 20 of Barrie's 21 OHL playoff games last season, holding a 12-6-2 record with a 2.66 GAA and .922 SV%.
Colts GM Marty Williamson praised the outgoing Hrebik as a "great teammate and hard worker", notably calling Hrebik someone who could "make some noise in that Memorial Cup race".
Ben has been a great teammate and a hard worker for us, and we’re grateful for everything he brought to this room. Guelph is a great fit for him, and knowing what he’s capable of, we think he’s going to make some noise in that Memorial Cup race. We wish him nothing but the best.
The notability of the move, besides Guelph being the hosts for the Memorial Cup meaning they get an automatic tournament spot, is Hrebik being committed to the NCAA for next season with Providence College, now having returned to the OHL.
Hrebik was likely to be a backup to Jets prospect John Parsons, which opened Hrebik up to return to the OHL depending on if he wants more game time, and a chance at a title.
The Storm already have a reliable tandem in Carolina Hurricanes draft pick Zach Jovanovski and 2027 NHL draft eligible Colin Ellsworth, but a potential addition of Hrebik would add a proven postseason performer in the Guelph net, despite the move being unlikely.
Still unknown for the Barrie Colts is if import selection Matvei Nikonovich will be coming over to the team, with no clarity on the status of the Penguins fifth rounder. Arvin Jaswal, who backed up Hrebik last season, will be in contention for the Colts starting position, likely to win it if Nikonovich does not join Barrie.
In the team's backup position, the Colts have options in Hagen Bach, a recent Cornell commit, as well as Nico Armellin, who spent last season playing for the Toronto Patriots under new Colts owner John Careri.
Barrie also made another trade earlier today, acquiring depth forward Dylan Tsherna from the Brantford Bulldogs for a pick, one of two trades from Brantford, who also moved forward Cooper Dennis to Peterborough for 2025 OHL top pick Kaden McGregor.
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