A Tight Contest in the OHL
On Wednesday, February 26, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) witnessed a highly competitive match between the Barrie Colts, one of the top teams in the East, and the Guelph Storm, one of the worst teams in the West. The game was held at the Sleeman Centre, where the rebuilding Guelph Storm faced off against the formidable Barrie Colts. Earlier in the season, on October 26, the Colts had convincingly defeated the Storm 6-1, with Dallas Stars prospect Brad Gardiner contributing a two-goal, three-point performance.
Breaking the Deadlock
The rematch began with both teams showing their defensive prowess, and the deadlock wasn’t broken until the second period. Vancouver Canucks 2024 fourth-rounder Riley Patterson, who has been a standout for the Colts, opened the scoring 5:15 into the second period. His goal came off a beautifully executed dump-in play by 2025 NHL draft top prospect Kashawn Aitcheson, and it marked Patterson’s team-leading 23rd goal of the season. However, the Storm responded quickly, tying the game just 24 seconds later with Jake Karabela’s eighth goal of the season.
Luchanko’s Heroics
One of the standouts of the game was Philadelphia Flyers 2024 first-round pick Jett Luchanko. Despite having a challenging season in Guelph, Luchanko has been a beacon of hope for his team, often leading the offensive effort. Five minutes after Karabela’s goal, Luchanko showcased his exceptional skills. He read Barrie’s reversal behind the net, intercepted the pass, circled around the net, and scored a beautiful goal over the shoulder of Barrie’s goaltender Ben Hrebik, giving Guelph a 2-1 lead. Luchanko’s performance at the 2024 draft combine, where he finished first in three events, further solidified his rising status in the NHL draft rankings.
Barrie’s Counterattack
The Colts, known for their aggressive style, quickly responded. Owen Van Steensel, committed to Clarkson University and a key player from the North Bay Battalion’s successful playoff runs, scored a breakaway goal to tie the game 2-2. Van Steensel’s goal was his 16th of the season. Another notable performance came from Anthony Romani, a Vancouver Canucks 2024 sixth-round pick who has been a force since joining Barrie. Romani’s goal, his 11th of the season and ninth since joining the Colts, tied the game once again, marking the 100th goal of his OHL career.
A Nerve-Wracking Finish
The third period was a nail-biter. Luchanko, demonstrating his explosive speed and agility, scored his second goal of the game just a minute into the period, giving Guelph a 3-2 lead. However, the Colts’ NHL-affiliated prospects were not to be outdone. Patterson, relentless in his pursuit, scored his second goal on a powerplay, giving Barrie a 4-3 lead with five minutes left in the game. The final two minutes added to the drama when Barrie’s 6-foot-4 defenseman Evan Passmore cross-checked Guelph forward Carter Stevens, sending the Storm to a 6-on-4 powerplay. Charlie Paquette, Guelph’s leading scorer, tied the game with four seconds left on the clock, sending the game to overtime.
The Shootout
The overtime period failed to produce a winner, and the game proceeded to a shootout. Patterson was stopped on his attempt, but his Canucks teammate Romani scored on his shot. Guelph’s Lev Katzin also found the back of the net, leading to a fourth round. Utah Hockey Club 2024 first-rounder Cole Beaudoin sealed the deal with the shootout-winner, allowing the Barrie Colts to escape with a 5-4 victory over the Guelph Storm. Jett Luchanko, who finished the game with three points, was named the first star, and his recent form—22 points in his last 13 games—solidified his status as a rising NHL prospect.
Looking Ahead
The game served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of hockey, where even a team at the bottom of the league can give a top team a run for their money. Jett Luchanko’s performance, in particular, highlighted the potential and resilience of young talent in the OHL. As the season progresses, both the Barrie Colts and the Guelph Storm will continue to vie for their respective goals, with the Colts eyeing a deep playoff run and the Storm focused on a successful rebuild. For fans and scouts alike, the OHL remains a hotbed of developing talent, and every game is a potential showcase of future NHL stars. Follow The Hockey News OHL site to stay updated on all the latest news, interviews, and updates from the league.
