NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE COLTS
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The Barrie Colts have made their first four picks in the opening three rounds of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
In round one, with the 19th overall pick, the Barrie Colts have 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 served as head coach of the Colts for 10 years and coached his son Ben as a 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 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 general manager of the 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 Stewart.
In round three, 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 blueline 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 general manager and director of hockey operations for the Colts.
In round three, 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 Stewart.
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