Colts’ trio brings veteran experience to Eastern Conference Final
The Barrie Colts and Oshawa Generals will go head-to-head in Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Final tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Sadlon Centre in Barrie. In a clash between two well-built squads, the Colts return to the Conference Final for the first time since 2016, while the Generals aim to defend their title for a second consecutive year.
Led by a strong veteran core, Barrie brings a unique edge in experience. For the fourth straight season, Dalyn Wakely, Anthony Romani, and Owen Van Steensel are competing in the Eastern Final. However, this time they are wearing blue, red and gold for the Colts.
“It’s super exciting to be in the Final Four,” said Romani. “From here on out, it’s all great teams, so we need to stay focused on every detail and be ready for each game.”
The Vancouver Canucks prospect has continued to be a difference-maker for the Colts, contributing 18 points (9-9-18) in 12 playoff games.
Acquired by Barrie at the OHL trade deadline, the former Battalion trio helped North Bay reach the Eastern Final in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Now seasoned and battle-tested, they bring leadership, experience, and a strong work ethic to a Colts squad focused on capturing a championship.
“This is our fourth year, obviously my linemates and I, we’re wanting to finally get over that hump,” said Edmonton Oilers prospect Wakely. “And for the rest of the guys, I think they’ve learned a lot during this playoff run. They had a good series against Oshawa last year, so there’s a lot of experience in the room.”
The 21-year-old leads all Colts in playoff scoring, tallying six goals, 15 assists, and 21 points in 12 post-season games.
“The home crowd is going to be a big factor in this series,” Wakely added. “Both fan bases bring a lot of energy. It’s going to be fun.”
After a hard-fought seven-game battle against the Kingston Frontenacs, the Colts are locked in and aim to reach the OHL Final for the first time since 2013, when they fell to the London Knights in Game 7, capped by Bo Horvat’s iconic championship-clinching goal.
“We’ve tried to bring some of that experience to the group, like staying even-keeled in the room and keeping guys focused,” commented Romani. “We haven’t been past this point yet, so getting to the Finals is everything right now.”
The chase continues tonight, as the Colts and Generals meet for the fourth time in OHL playoff history.
Looking a little different 🖌️
🎟️ https://t.co/vQf1DwhOqI#GiddyUp pic.twitter.com/nLdpIRMsPy
— Barrie Colts (@OHLBarrieColts) April 23, 2025
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