Thank You, Colts Fans
After a season defined by adversity, response, and sustained excellence, the Barrie Colts closed out the Ontario Hockey League Championship Series on home ice Tuesday night, capping an unforgettable playoff run.
Barrie concluded the 2025–26 regular season with one of the strongest campaigns in franchise history, posting a 45-14-5-4 record and 99 points to capture the Central Division title. The season carried added context due to significant roster and staff turnover, as Dylan Smoskowitz stepped into his first year as Head Coach while Marty Williamson leaned into his role as Vice-President and General Manager. Despite that transition, the group quickly established structure, identity, and consistency, evolving into one of the league’s most resilient and competitive teams.
One of the defining highlights of the season came on the international stage, where three members of the organization represented their countries at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Dallas Stars prospect Emil Hemming made his third appearance for Finland, while Cole Beaudoin and Kashawn Aitcheson represented Team Canada. Their presence on hockey’s biggest junior stage served as a reflection of the calibre of talent within the Colts roster this season.
Another pivotal stretch arrived in February 2026, when Barrie responded to a six-game losing streak with a statement ten-game winning streak, reasserting itself at the top of the Ontario Hockey League standings. That run proved to be a turning point in a season that ultimately showcased a new-look group built on pace, structure, and a high-tempo, defensively responsible identity. That momentum carried into a dominant finish, with Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz setting a new franchise benchmark in his debut season with 44 wins, surpassing the previous record of 43 held by Bill Stewart. Barrie’s success was ultimately reflected not only in the regular-season standings, but in its ability to elevate when it mattered most.
With additional depth added at the trade deadline in Parker von Richter, Mason Zebeski, and Ben Wilmott, the Colts further strengthened an already experienced core. That group complemented Colts forward Brad Gardiner and key summer acquisition Calvin Crombie, helping solidify an established veteran presence that elevated an already strong lineup.
The Colts carried their form into the postseason, capturing the Eastern Conference Championship and the Bobby Orr Trophy following an unforgettable comeback from a 3–1 series deficit against Brantford, securing the organization’s first appearance in the Ontario Hockey League Championship series since the 2012-13 season under Hockey Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk.
At the heart of the season was a strong and unified leadership group that set the standard from day one. Co-captains Kashawn Aitcheson and Cole Beaudoin led by example throughout the year, anchoring the group with competitiveness, consistency, and a commitment to team-first mentality in every situation. Alternate captains Brad Gardiner and Evan Passmore also played key roles in shaping the identity of the team. Gardiner’s season was recognized league-wide as he received the Roger Neilson Memorial Award as the Ontario Hockey League’s top post-secondary student-athlete, while also reaching the 300-game milestone in the Ontario Hockey League.
Individual milestones and league recognition further highlighted the year. Kashawn Aitcheson was named the OHL’s Defenceman of the Year. earning the Max Kaminsky Trophy, while Cole Beaudoin was awarded the William Hanley Trophy as the league’s Most Sportsmanlike Player. Across the roster, the Colts continued to develop high-end talent while reinforcing a team-first culture built on accountability, detail, and compete level.
As a result of their accomplishments, the Colts will raise two banners to the Sadlon Arena rafters next season, including the franchise’s fifth Bobby Orr Trophy in the past 31 years — another significant chapter in the organization’s storied history. Throughout the season, Barrie became known around the league for its relentless pace, structured physical play, and ability to respond under pressure. Whether eliminating Ottawa in the opening round or winning a decisive Game 7 on the road in Brantford, this group consistently delivered in high-leverage moments.
Just as impactful as the on-ice success was the environment surrounding the team throughout the season. That connection inside the room became one of the defining traits of this year’s Colts — a team built on a genuine sense of family. From team meals and long road trips to practices and playoff battles, the closeness of the group remained evident throughout the season and was consistently emphasized by the coaching staff.
During the club’s final team lunch of the season on Wednesday afternoon, Aitcheson shared a message with returning players and rookies, reflecting on how quickly the junior hockey experience can pass.
“These days go by so fast and it feels like just yesterday I had just got to Barrie with guys like Carter Lowe and Cole Beaudoin,” said Aitcheson. “Keep putting in the work, but enjoy it.”
Aitcheson’s message echoed sentiments shared by several veterans as they reflected on the season, the relationships built within the room, and the standard established by the group from day one.
Those moments served as another reminder of the leadership, culture, and accountability that defined the 2025–26 season for the Colts, as the organization’s veteran core leaves a lasting impact and will be greatly missed both on and off the ice.
Looking Ahead
When asked about the lasting impact of this playoff run on the group returning next season, Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz emphasized the value of the experience gained by Barrie’s young core throughout the postseason.
“It’s massive. Eamon Edgar, a rookie, scored a goal in an Ontario Hockey League Final elimination game. That shows the depth we have returning. Players like Arvin Jaswal, Cole Emerton, Nicholas Desiderio, and Jonah McCormick are going to be big pieces for us next year.”
That experience, earned through high-pressure moments and a deep playoff run, now becomes part of the foundation moving forward for the Barrie Colts.
Vice-President and General Manager Marty Williamson also spoke with CTV News, reflecting on both the team’s growth and the confidence in the group moving forward.
“We believe this team is deep. We know we are going to lose some key pieces, but that’s junior hockey. What we are really impressed with is the guys that we have seen step into these roles.”
To Colts Country and all our fans — thank you. From every sold-out crowd at Sadlon Arena, to every road trip, every chant, every standing ovation, and every moment of unwavering support, you helped define a season this organization will never forget.
Your energy, passion, and belief in this group carried through every high and every challenge, and left a lasting mark on this team.
To our billet families, and everyone who supported the team behind the scenes, your commitment, care, and generosity made a lasting impact on our players both on and off the ice.
We’ll see you next season, Barrie.
To watch interviews and coverage from Wednesday’s year-end media with Cole Beaudoin and Kashawn Aitcheson and staff on CTV News, click here.
