Colts Look to Even OHL Championship Series in Game 2 Friday Night
The Barrie Colts head into Friday night’s Game 2 of the OHL Championship Series looking to respond after a 5-2 defeat in the series opener at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
Game 1 opened with a tight, emotional pace before the Rangers began to find separation in the third period, ultimately securing the series lead in front of a sold-out crowd of 7,124 in the first playoff meeting between the clubs since 1996.
Barrie’s offence was driven once again by Ben Wilmott, who continued his standout postseason by scoring both Colts goals. Wilmott has stepped into a leading role at centre, now up to 11 goals in the playoffs.
Kitchener defenceman Andrew MacNiel proved to be the difference, scoring twice from nearly identical areas on the ice — both shots finding their way through traffic after returning to the lineup from injury. His second goal, early in the third period, stood as the game-winner.
The Rangers added to their lead with goals from Dylan Edwards and Cameron Arquette, before Sam O’Reilly sealed the result in an empty net.
Despite the final scoreline, Barrie head coach Dylan Smoskowitz felt there were stretches where his group matched Kitchener’s pace, but acknowledged the execution level will need to rise in Game 2.
“They came at us pretty good in the third,” Smoskowitz said. “We were OK. We know we need more for Friday.”
The Colts will look to tighten details defensively while rediscovering the structure that carried them through a deep playoff run to this point, including series wins over Niagara, Ottawa, and Brantford.
Game 2 is set for Friday night back at The Aud, with Barrie aiming to split the opening two games before the series shifts home for Games 3 and 4.
Tune in to Game 2 on the following platforms:
Games are available to stream live on TSN.ca and the TSN app
Watch Live on FloHockey
Listen Live on the Radio Broadcast
