Latest news with #BarrieColts
CTV News
a day ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Colts star drafted by Islanders
Kashawn Aitcheson from the Barrie Colts is off to New York, as he was chosen by the Islanders with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old defenceman totalled 26 goals and 59 points in 64 games with the Colts this past season. He added six goals and 12 points during Barrie's playoff run to the OHL Eastern Conference Final this spring, including the overtime winner in Game 5 of the second round against the Kingston Frontenacs. At six-foot-one and 198 pounds, Aitcheson's all-around blend of offence, defence, speed and physicality had him ranked as the 10th-to-20th best prospect in most pre-draft rankings. The Toronto, Ont. native becomes the first Barrie Colt drafted in the top-20 since Brandt Clarke was selected by the LA Kings at 8th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. Kevin Connolly, an actor best known for his role in Entourage, announced Aitcheson's selection. The Islanders acquired the 17th overall pick earlier in the day in a trade that sent defenceman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens.
New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Penguins' NHL Draft, free agency, trades: Everything to know
PITTSBURGH — Kyle Dubas has frequently mentioned the urgency he feels to return the Pittsburgh Penguins to championship-caliber hockey. Of course, it's difficult to show urgency when attaining assets for future seasons has been the primary objective for 18 months. What comes next? The Penguins' general manager/president of hockey operations is squarely in the spotlight during the next couple of weeks, as an impatient fan base hopes to see signs of Dubas' plan shift into a different gear. Here is the background of what Dubas is facing, the ammunition at his disposal and what we know. When: 7 p.m. ET Friday (Round 1); noon Saturday (Rounds 2-7) Where: Los Angeles (draft picks), Pittsburgh (Dubas and Penguins front office — the draft is decentralized, meaning team executives will not be present at the draft, similar to the NFL approach) Penguins 2025 draft picks: The decision: Do the Penguins trade up? It would appear that they now have the draft capital to do so. Penguins' philosophy: Pardon the cliche, but the Penguins will select the best player available without hesitation. While their prospect pool is markedly better than when Dubas was hired two years ago, there isn't one area of strength that is overwhelming. Forwards, defensemen and goaltenders are all in play to be drafted. Advertisement Most likely first-round pick: Kashawn Aitcheson, defenseman, Barrie Colts (OHL). He'll probably be on the board at 11 or 12, and the Penguins like him a great deal. He plays a nasty, abrasive game, which Dubas believes the Penguins need. Dubas also has noted that the Penguins need help on the left side of their blue line. Aitcheson would be a safe, sensible pick. The X-factor: Roger McQueen, center, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL). Will he be available at 11 or 12? And will the Penguins take him if he is? McQueen is the biggest feast or famine player in this draft. Many believe the 6-foot-5 center has star potential, but a back injury kept him out of the lineup during most of last season, which concerns some teams. The potential trade-up target: Porter Martone, right wing, Brampton Steelheads (OHL). The Penguins love Martone. He's the rare power forward who could make quite an impact. Nashville is said to like him at No. 5, but if he drops past the Predators, it wouldn't be surprising to see Dubas move up a few spots and nab him. The sentimental mid-round pick: L.J. Mooney, U.S. National Team Development Program. Mooney is one of the most talented players in the draft, but there is one problem with the West Mifflin, Pa., native: He's only 5-7. Most projections have Mooney selected somewhere in the third, fourth or fifth round. Once upon a time, he was believed to be a top-10 pick, but his size will scare some teams away. The Penguins have a history of bypassing local products in the draft, including Brandon Saad, J.T. Miller, Vince Trocheck, John Gibson and R.J. Umberger. Dubas is well aware of Mooney, whose talent and heart have never been questioned. He is Logan Cooley's cousin. Penguins' current salary cap space: $22.9 million Unsigned restricted free agents: Conor Dewar, Philip Tomasino, Vasiliy Ponomarev, Conor Timmins, P.O Joseph Decisions to be made: It seems likely that the Penguins will retain at least some of the above-mentioned players, though much will depend on which of these players new coach Dan Muse believes will best fit his system. Advertisement The Penguins were relatively pleased with what they saw from Dewar and Timmins last season, and given their lack of depth in the bottom six and on the blue line, respectively, there's a reasonable chance both will return. While the Penguins' previous coaching staff believed Tomasino was at times too concerned with his stat line and not with his overall game, there is real talent there, and the Penguins will consider bringing him back as well. Ponomarev remains Penguins property but will play in the KHL next season. Joseph seemingly has had nine lives with the Penguins but may have used them all up, given his struggles last season. NHL free agency: Opens at noon ET on July 1. Unsigned unrestricted free agents: Matt Nieto, Matt Grzelcyk Decisions to be made: Under no circumstances will Nieto return to the Penguins, as his body and play badly deteriorated during his time in Pittsburgh. Grzelcyk wasn't a disaster in Pittsburgh, and he handled his duties on the top power play nicely. It's conceivable but unlikely that he will return. Dubas' plan: Look for this July 1 to be similar to last season's. Dubas has already publicly stated that he doesn't believe there is significant value available on July 1, which tends to be true. He will make a move or two in the early going of free agency, but he likely will sign players on short-term deals. He doesn't believe his team is ready to compete yet and doesn't want to lock himself into long-term deals. Though it is believed Dubas has authority from the Penguins' owners, Fenway Sports Group, to spend to the salary cap, it's unlikely that he will until his team shows postseason potential. This is where Dubas figures to be busy. He has already said that he intends to be active on the trade market, and there are many variables at play. Bad contract dismissal trades: The Penguins have perhaps as many bad contracts as any NHL team. They'd be happy to rid themselves of bad or questionable contracts, which include players such as Tristan Jarry, Ryan Graves, Noel Acciari, Erik Karlsson, Kevin Hayes and a handful of others. Huge-return trade market: The Penguins have two strong trade chips in Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, who would theoretically bring the Penguins a heavy return. Of course, they are Sidney Crosby's preferred linemates, which makes things tricky. Dubas' phone routinely rings with other general managers eager for these two, especially Rust, whose no-movement clause expires on July 1. Advertisement Young NHL player trade market: It's no secret that Dubas is heavily interested in young NHL players who can make an immediate dent, as opposed to acquiring more draft picks or prospects. The Penguins are satisfied with the number of draft picks at their disposal. Dubas wants players who can help the Penguins at the NHL level right now. (Photo of Kyle Dubas courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins)
CTV News
17-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Local hockey coach accused of sexual assault maintains his innocence, lawyer says
The criminal defence lawyer who appeared in court on behalf of a Barrie hockey coach charged with sexual assault maintains the accused is innocent. In a statement to CTV News, lawyer Alex McLeod said Ryan Wood 'maintains his innocence and has confidence in the criminal justice system.' The comments from the defence lawyer came hours after McLeod appeared on behalf of Wood Monday morning in a virtual Barrie courtroom where the Crown imposed a publication ban protecting the identity of the complainant from being revealed. Ryan Wood Ryan Wood is pictured wearing a Purple Cobras ball cap in this photo from December 2024. (CTV News/Chris Garry) The embattled minor hockey league coach and team owner is accused of sexual assault after being charged last month, not long after police confirmed a complainant came forward in May alleging the sexual assault took place in Barrie. Wood, who is well-known in the local hockey community, also served as a billet parent for the Barrie Colts for three years. The OHL team said Wood is no longer a billet parent and the alleged incident took place during the off-season when there were no team-sanctioned events being held. CTV News has confirmed the complainant in the case is not a member of the Barrie Colts or the Purple Cobras Hockey organization, a youth minor hockey association owned and coached by Wood. The Purple Cobras play in the Klevr Super League (KSL) which has since suspended Wood and the Purple Cobras from the league pending a new owner of the team being put in place. The matter is scheduled to return to a virtual courtroom in September. The allegations against Ryan Wood have not been tested in court.
Ottawa Citizen
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
North Bay Battalion will face Barrie Colts in new OHL 'Rivalry Week'
Article content The North Bay Battalion will play a home-and-home series with the Barrie Colts on Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19, as part of the Ontario Hockey League's inaugural Rivalry Week, it was announced Friday. The teams open at Barrie at 7:30 p.m. on the Saturday before the rematch at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens at 2 p.m. on the Sunday. Article content Article content While the Battalion and Colts, Central Division foes, have a long history of home-and-home sets, with some schedules having featured two such engagements, the 2025-26 series is one of 10 to be conducted across the league between Thursday, Oct. 16, and the following Sunday involving all 20 teams. Article content Some pairings, such as the Ottawa 67's and Kingston Frontenacs, the Oshawa Generals and Peterborough Petes and the London Knights and Kitchener Rangers, are predictable, while others feature a shorter history, including the Brantford Bulldogs and Brampton Steelheads. Article content
CTV News
10-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Barrie Colts make trade with Niagara IceDogs ahead of next season
Alex Assadourian with the Niagara IceDogs in an undated image. (Supplied) The Barrie Colts season might be over but that isn't stopping the team from preparing for next season. Following the Colts' Tuesday announcement, a Niagara player is now set to take the ice at Sadlon Arena. 'We have completed a trade with the Niagara IceDogs,' the Barrie Colts shared in an afternoon social media post. The Colts will be sending defenseman Grayson Tiller to the IceDogs. In return, they will receive forward Alex Assadourian a 2027 5th round draft pick. Tiller has been with the Colts since he was drafted in 2021 racking up 52 points in 214 games. New Colts player, Assadourian has played for both the IceDogs and Sudbury Wolves and has scored 127 points in 215 games.
