The Barrie Colts’ crease is starting to take form for the 2025-26 season. The club had the fourth-fewest goals against in the 2024-25 season with 219. A significant reason for their stoppage of pucks was their tandem of Sam Hillebrandt and Ben Hrebik.
The Barrie Colts’ crease is starting to take form for the 2025-26 season. The club had the fourth-fewest goals against in the 2024-25 season with 219. A significant reason for their stoppage of pucks was their tandem of Sam Hillebrandt and Ben Hrebik.
Hillebrandt had the opportunity to return for his overage year in Barrie. However, the 6-foot-1 netminder announced his commitment to play in the NCAA for Ohio State University back in May.
With Hillebrandt out the door, the crease is wide open for Hrebik to showcase that he can handle being a number-one goalie in the OHL.
Former Colt To Take Up Head Coaching Reins In BarrieEarlier today, the Barrie Colts announced that Assistant Coach Dylan Smoskowitz will take over as Head Coach effective immediately. He replaces Marty Williamson, who will stay on with the club as Vice President and GM of Hockey Operations moving forward.
The Milton, Ontario native stepped up in a major way for the Colts last season in his first full year in the league. The team didn’t have to rely on the more experienced Hillebrandt on a nightly basis and quickly gained trust in the play between the pipes of the 6-foot-3 puck stopper.
Hrebik posted a record of 21-9-2 with a .920 save percentage — tied for second-best in the regular season with CHL Goaltender of the Year Jackson Parsons — and a goals-against-average of 2.87 last season.
Heading into training camp, barring any changes, it’s Hrebik’s crease to lose. But the team does have a couple of young prospects who are ready to duel it out for the backup position.
Earlier in July, the organization announced the signing of 2025 fourth-rounder (82nd overall) Hagan Bach. The 2009-born 6-foot-2 goaltender was the fourth goalie selected in the draft and is coming out of the prestigious Shattuck St. Mary’s program.
Hagan Bach commits to the Colts 🤠
— Barrie Colts (@OHLBarrieColts) July 5, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/KXpH6aX6e2
Welcome to Colts Country, Hagan! #GiddyUp | @OHLHockeypic.twitter.com/wOkNtWq8QR
Bach, 16, posted a 24-6 record with seven shutouts, a stellar save percentage of .930, and a goals-against-average of 1.81 with the Shattuck St. Mary’s 15U AAA during the 2024-25 season.
“I’m very excited to get to work with Hagan here in Barrie. He brings a high level of athleticism, but his two biggest strengths are his anticipation and ability to read the game. He’s a natural talent who is mature beyond his years and composed in his approach. We look forward to helping mould him and supporting him as he works toward his dream of playing in the NHL,” said Colts Goaltending Director David Belitski.
Kitchener Rangers Announce Roster Changes For The 2025-26 Season, Two NHL Prospects Set To ReturnThe Kitchener Rangers announced updates to their roster regarding five of their players for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
The Niskayuna, New York, native dueling partner for the number-two job in Barrie is Arvin Jaswal, a Pickering, Ontario, native. The team drafted the 6-foot-2 goaltender 114th overall in the sixth round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection and signed him before the start of last season.
Jaswal, 17, played for the Toronto Red Wings in the GTHL U18 AAA league last season. The Red Wings finished eighth in the league standings, averaging only 2.03 goals against per game. The team's struggles were primarily due to their scoring, as they posted the third-worst average in the league with just 1.86 goals for per game.
One last thought, the Colts drafted Finnish netminder Patrik Kerkola in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. They have one open import spot still and could try to recruit the 6-foot-3, 2007-born Fin.
At this moment, Hrebik will confidently watch as Bach and Jaswal showcase their skills, in hopes that they can perform just as he did during his impressive rookie season.
(Top photo credit: Terry Wilson / OHL Images)
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