The Barrie Colts are very pleased with the selections made in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore.
“We are thrilled with how the draft went for us this year. The players we selected will be great additions to our line-up in the future and fans can look forward to some outstanding new players to watch for the next few years”, said Colts President Howie Campbell.
In round 1 with the 19th overall pick, the Barrie Colts selected, at defence, Beau Akey from the Waterloo Wolves.
The announcement was made by Ben Hawerchuk in honour of his father, the late Dale Hawerchuk. Dale, the longest serving coach in our teams history, was Head Coach for 10 years and coached his son Ben as a Barrie Colt for five of those years.
“It was a very emotional moment for all of us here at the Colts organization to hear Ben make the announcement. Dale was a huge part of this team and our community. Having his son Ben make our first draft announcement since his fathers passing was very special”, said Howie Campbell, President of the Barrie Colts.
“Beau is an elite skater. He’s an offensive D and was captain of his team, which demonstrates the leadership he brings to the table. Beau will be the kind of player that will drive the offence from the backend in the future”, said Rob Stewart, Assistant GM of the Barrie Colts.
In the 2nd round, 24th overall, the Colts picked forward Christopher Grisolia from the Toronto Marlboros. “Chris is a 200 foot player. He’s ultra competitive and is the kind of forward that will really help in the scoring department. He has a good touch around the net”, said Rob Stewart, Assistant GM.
In round 3, with the 44th overall pick, the Colts took Grayson Tiller, from the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs. “Grayson is one of the best defensive D in the draft. He will be a great addition to the blue-line in the future. He’s got a really good shot that can generate offence as well. We’re excited to get him where we did”, said Marty Williamson, acting GM and Director of Hockey Operations for the Barrie Colts.
In round 3, with the 55th overall pick, the Colts took Ben Pickell, a forward from the Clarington Toros. “Ben is a smart two-way forward who’s fearless around the net and has the ability to make his line mates better. He’ll be a real asset in the future”, said Rob Stewart.
In round 4, 63rd overall, the selection was Nicholas Lamont, a forward from the Barrie Jr. Colts. “Great to have local player Nicholas Lamont on board. He’s a two-way forward with very good scoring touch and he’ll be able to put up points here in the future”, said Rob Stewart.
In the final rounds, the following players were selected.
In the 6th round, with the 100th overall pick, forward Ryan Nichols from the Toronto Marlboros.
Also in the 6th round, 111th overall, goaltender Matteo Caruso from the Burlington Eagles.
In the 7th round, 139th overall, forward Cameron Briere from the Nashville Jr. Predators.
In the 8th round, 140th overall, forward Daniel Markevych from the Mississauga Reps.
In the 9th round, 179th overall, Brandon Scott, a defenceman from the Toronto Marlboros.
In the 11th round, 219th overall, defenceman Jordan Schanbacher from the Niagara North Stars.
In the 12th round, 220th overall, forward Dylan McDougall from the Rockland Nationals.
In the 13th round, 259th overall, forward Jack McAra from the Burlington Eagles.
In the 14th round, 260th overall, forward Carter Duarte from the Sun County Panthers.
In the 15th round, 283rd overall, forward Cole Barrett from the Vaughan Kings.