The Canadian Hockey League announced its pre-season edition of the Canadian Hockey League top-10 rankings for the 2021-22 season and the Barrie Colts are in some lofty company.
The rankings were selected with input from NHL Central Scouting and come prior to the 2021-22 season opener. The Ontario Hockey League begins play tomorrow.
Rankings of the CHL’s top-10 teams will resume on a weekly basis.
The Kingston Frontenacs lead OHL clubs at No. 4 on the first instalment of 2021-22, with top 2022 NHL Draft prospect and former CHL rookie of the year Shane Wright at centre. Kingston also has offensive firepower in overage veteran Jordan Frasca, 20-year-old newcomer Lucas Edmonds, Dallas Stars prospect Francesco Arcuri, and Philadelphia Flyers draftee Zayde Wisdom, who is currently sidelined following off-season surgery.
In the crease, the Frontenacs also have one of the league's most intriguing netminders in Ottawa Senators third-round pick Leevi Merilainen from Finland. Kingston posted a perfect 4-0 pre-season record under first-year head coach Luca Caputi.
The Barrie Colts follow close behind at No. 5, headlined by Los Angeles Kings first-round pick Brandt Clarke, a puck-moving defenceman who will be used heavily by Colts head coach Marty Williamson.
Up front, Barrie has Colorado Avalanche first-round selection Oskar Olausson, San Jose Sharks prospect Ethan Cardwell and New York Rangers draft pick Evan Vierling, not to mention the potential return of Philadelphia Flyers hopeful Tyson Foerster, who had a strong showing in the American Hockey League last season.
The Colts open their season on Thursday, Oct. 7 when they host the Niagara IceDogs at Sadlon Arena with puck drop at 7:30 p.m.
The Windsor Spitfires lead the OHL's Western Conference clubs at No. 8 on the list under newly named head coach Marc Savard.
The London Knights also earned an honourable mention on the pre-season edition of the CHL rankings.
