Barrie Colts
Division: Central
Coach: Dale Hawerchuk
2016-17 Record: 17-44-7
- OHL 2017-18 Western Conference Preview
Key Additions:
Ryan Suzuki (1st Overall Pick, OHL Priority Selection), Andrei Svechnikov (1st Overall Pick, CHL Import Draft), Alexey Lipanov (CHL Import Draft), Leo Lipanov (Acquired from OTT)
Key Departures:
Anthony Stefano, Tom Hedberg, Roy Radke
Top Players:
Lucas Chiodo – 68 GP / 22 G / 31 A / 53 Pts / 10 PIM / -13
Ryan Suzuki – 32 GP / 19 G / 40 A / 59 Pts / 10 PIM (Midget AAA)
Andrei Svechnikov – 48 GP / 29 G / 29 A / 58 Pts / 68 PIM / +29 (USHL)
Chiodo is the top returning scorer from last season. The other majority of the scoring will be made up by Suzuki and Svechnikov, two first overall picks from separate drafts.
Although these two talents will bring lots of stunning moments and exciting play, it’s hard to see the Colts being that much improved from last season.
They have lost their best defender in Tom Hedberg and will have to build up their core at the backend to where it was when the had Aaron Ekblad just a few seasons ago.
This could be a difficult year at times for the Colts. Growing pains with all the young talent could cause for some long nights, but also some very fun games to watch. They should improve on their results last season. There’s nowhere to go but up this year.
