Orillia's Colby Barlow is making a name for himself during his rookie season in the OHL.
He recently broke the Owen Sound franchise’s record for goals scored by a 16-year-old rookie when he tallied his 23rd goal of the season, breaking the record previously held by Bobby Ryan and Daniel Sisca. He now has 25 goals — and counting.
The gritty right-winger, who came up through the Rama-based North Central Predators’ AAA program, says it’s a “huge honour” to set a new club record with Owen Sound. He was selected eighth overall by the Attack in the 2021 draft.
“I couldn’t have done this without my teammates and the support of my coaches,” he said. “I’m grateful for (general manager) Dale (Degray) taking me with his first pick in the previous draft.”
To commemorate the moment, the Attack posted a tribute video of Barlow’s historic season. The video featured former Attack record holders Sisca and Ryan, who played 14 seasons in the NHL.
“I was pretty speechless when I saw it. It was a really cool moment,” he said after the video was played at a recent home game. “I was standing on the blue line and wasn’t expecting that to happen. I was stunned and super thankful that they did that for me.”
Barlow says he’s been working hard this season and has been trying to do all the right things to succeed.
“I’ve been trying to think defensively first, which helps me offensively,” he said. “I’ve been really listening to all the feedback I’ve been getting from my coaches and teammates who have helped me get better every day.”
Barlow’s goal for the rest of the season is to help his team clinch a playoff berth. The Attack currently sits in seventh place in the Western Conference.
“I want to continue winning games in the playoffs,” he said. “I want to keep getting better as a team and do some damage.”
The biggest challenge for Barlow this year has been adjusting to the speed of the game, which is much faster than minor hockey.
“It’s a massive jump going from minor midget to playing against 20-year-olds every night,” he said. “Also, a big challenge for me has been the bus rides and the grind that it really is. You don’t really believe it until you live it.”
Despite the tough road schedule putting wear and tear on his body, Barlow has stayed consistent all season long. He says he continues to set goals on a day-to-day and week-to-week basis to stay on track.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve surprised myself doing this,” he said. “I worked at it. This was my goal, and I’ve achieved it.”
To keep improving, Barlow says he needs to keep giving a 100 per cent effort each day.
“I need to continue to listen, learn, and continue to better myself,” he said.
Barlow thanks the Orillia community for its support during his young career.
“It means the world,” he said. “I’m from Orillia, I have a lot of family and friends there, so it’s a massive honour and I’m very happy to have my hometown supporting me.”
