The Barrie Colts are trampling anyone who gets in their way at the moment, boasting a 14-1 record since the trade deadline, and secured one of the best deadline acquisitions this season.
Credit: Terry Wilson/OHL ImagesSince the Jan. 9 trade deadline, the OHL landscape hasn’t shifted a ton. Many of the top teams are still performing at a high level and appear to be strong contenders for the J. Ross Robertson Cup. While many eyes were fixed on the heavyweights in Brantford and Ottawa, a different storm was brewing in Simcoe County. The Barrie Colts haven't just been winning; they have been obliterating the competition, putting up a staggering 14-1 record since the deadline.
This isn't just a "hot streak,” it is a total systemic takeover that has vaulted Barrie into the same elite conversation as the Eastern Conference's perennial giants.
Colts GM Marty Williamson went “all-in” last year in pursuit of a championship. They lost in the East Finals 4-0 in the series to the Oshawa Generals. Despite losing several star players from last year’s roster, they’ve remained as the top team of the Central Division for the majority of this season, and now they are fingertips away from first in the Eastern Conference.
The numbers have backed it up. Over this 15-game stretch, the Colts are averaging 4.33 goals per game (65 goals for) and 2.53 goals against (38 total goals against). They exploded for four third-period goals against Kingston on Thursday night, riding home a 6-3 victory and their sixth consecutive win.
Additionally, they are averaging 37 shots on goal per game and 28.6 against. The shot differential (+8.4 per game) reveals a team that spends the vast majority of its time in the offensive zone, suffocating opponents with its relentless forecheck and elite puck management.
The assets at Williamson’s disposal were significantly less compared to last season. However, Williamson was still able to bring in forwards Mason Zebeski and Ben Wilmott, and defenseman Parker Von Richter.
Sometimes, deadline acquisitions need a bit of time to settle into their new environment and team system before they get rolling. Clearly, Von Richter and Wilmott missed that memo.
Since coming over from Brampton, Von Richter has provided an additional offensive element to Barrie’s blueline, which had been lacking apart from Kashawn Aitcheson. The fourth-year veteran blueliner has produced 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) in 15 games with Barrie, stabilizing their top four alongside defense partner Justin Handsor.
As for Ben Wilmott, well, he’s been one of the best deadline acquisitions in the entire OHL.
The 2006-born American forward has scored 12 goals and recorded 21 points since joining from London. Only co-captain Cole Beaudoin has more points than him since Jan. 9 (10 goals, 28 points). With Wilmott now on the team, Barrie comfortably has two strong scoring lines to utilize. He has provided an elite scoring touch, contributing to several of their victories over the last month.
Mason Zebeski hasn't put up the offensive numbers like Wilmott, but still, 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) is nothing to sneeze at. But just like how Von Richter has stabilized the blueline, Zebeski has become a versatile option in Barrie's top-six forward corps. Wilmott and Zebeski have flip-flopped between the two top lines since coming over, giving Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz more depth to play around with.
With no second-round picks for the next four years, and just one third, Williamson has pushed all of his chips into the middle, hoping this year’s squad will avenge last year’s East Finals exit.
Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
Latest OHL News:
