Is Matthew Schaefer the bonafide No. 1 overall pick in 2025? This evening the Niagara IceDogs faceoff against the Barrie Colts in a game with huge implications for the Eastern Conference standings. Due to a three-game suspension, they will play their division rival without captain Kevin He. The OHL suspended He as a result of a hit thrown on Jan. 24 in a game against the Erie Otters. The Winnipeg Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets/]' prospect has 55 points in 43 games which puts him second on the team in scoring. He will be missed as a leader and one of the top scorers on his team. Barrie and Niagara have squared off three times this season. The Colts lead the season series 2-1 after winning the previous game between the two teams 5-1. He played a huge role in Niagara's only win against Barrie scoring a goal and adding two assists in the contest. A win tonight would even the season series between the two squads while also giving Niagara a critical two points in the standings. The two teams are part of a tight race taking place at the top of the Eastern Conference. Barrie holds the top spot in the conference with 63 points. They hold a three-point lead over Brantford and Oshawa who are tied for second. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEGXRuWsdWo[/embed] Meanwhile, the IceDogs' 58 points place them fifth in the conference at the back of the five-team race. If Barrie picks up a win, they will continue to pull away from the pack while Niagara falls farther behind. For the IceDogs, this is an opportunity to gain two points on the front-runner in the conference and tie themselves with Brantford and Oshawa. If you need more incentive to tune into this game, it also features several top prospects for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. The Colts' Kashawn Aitcheson is not only a physical threat but a dynamic offensive player. NHL Central Scouting ranked the 6-foot-1 defender 15th among North American prospects. With 35 points in 44 games, Aitcheson sits eleventh in scoring among OHL defenders. On the other side of the ice, Ethan Czata is also eligible for the upcoming draft. The Brampton native has nearly tripled his offensive output this season scoring 44 points in 46 games. NHL Central Scouting ranked Czata 41st among North American Skaters. Whether you're interested in the talented players or the intense race in the Eastern Conference, this is a game that you shouldn't miss. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
