OHL: Little Plays Big

Paulo Colaiacovo, (OA), G, Barrie

The big stand-up goalie has been one of the league’s better backstops this year after training with his twin brother Carlo and Maple Leafs’ prospect Matt Stajan over the summer, and coming into the season in terrific shape … Colaiacovo didn’t have a chance on a first period laser from Tim Brent that went over his shoulder, with Tyler Haskins and Sal Peralta crowding the crease … took a penalty after lifting puck into the crowd with his team already down a man later in the first … settled down to play a solid game after that point … veteran keeper is very proficient in all areas, although it’s hard to pinpoint one particular area where he is spectacular … should garner some pro interest at the end of the season if he continues his strong play.

Hunter Tremblay, (2004), RW, Barrie

Feisty little winger is agile and quick … does his best work on the penalty kill, getting his stick into passing lanes and displaying smart positioning … Barrie coach Bud Stefanski had no qualms utilizing Tremblay in overtime as he reduced his bench to six forwards … Tremblay has only average puck skills at this time … assisted on Dan Speer’s game tying goal, to record his tenth point in his 24th game … the Timmins native should hear his name called at some point later in next summer’s draft.

Georgy Ryazantsev, (2004), RW, Barrie

The Russian import draft selection missed the game and is still listed as day-to-day recovering from arthroscopic surgery that has kept him out of Barrie's line-up for the last ten games.

Bryan Little, (2006), C, Barrie

The flashy little skater has been an unexpected scoring source for the Colts early this campaign, registering 19 points in 23 games coming into the contest … just turned 16 on November 12th … Little was recently named to Ontario’s Under-17 team … Little took an important face-off late in the first period in the Colts’ zone, and throughout the third period and in overtime … he had some trouble defensively in his own end … fights hard along the boards and behind the net for loose pucks … lack of size and leg strength works against him at this point, but that is reasonable considering his age … was bloodied in the overtime period, catching a puck under the visor after driving to the net … the playmaking forward should be a stand-out in the Colts line-up for years to come.

B.J. Crombeen, (DAL), RW, Barrie

The big winger had just returned from playing for the OHL All-Stars against the Russian selects team … playing on all specialty teams, Crombeen uses his above-average skating skills to his advantage … instigated a spirited bout with Majors’ defender Ted Perry early in the second period, and didn’t return until early in the third … after a terrific puck-rush into the Majors’ zone in the third stanza, Crombeen made a smart little drop pass in the slot to Mark Langdon, but Langdon couldn’t convert on what would have been the go-ahead goal … a smart two-way player, Crombeen has all the tools to move onto the next level in the future.

Jeremy Swanson, (FLA), D, Barrie

The tough-as-nails blue-liner is a solid two-way rearguard … a decent skater who is very strong on his skates; Swanson has worked very hard in the gym to add strength to his frame … takes his opportunities to let the opposing forwards know he’s there when the referees aren’t looking … engaged in a sparring match with Majors’ rookie Cal Clutterbuck for most of the game … a fixture on Barrie’s power play, Swanson is an adequate OHL quarterback … Swanson will make it to the NHL on the strength of his reliable defensive play, although he may be able to provide some offence down the road if he gets the opportunity ... in the running for a spot at Canada’s National Junior Camp that will be named December 1st.

Cory Stillman (OA), C, Barrie

The big over-age pivot is a former 4th round draft pick of the N.Y. Islanders … tantalized with size and skating ability, but rarely accomplished anything on the ice … Colts leading scorer coming into the game with 25 points in 22 games … scored an overwhelming victory in a fight with Vancouver draft pick Nathan McIver in the 1st period … former prospect will have to display a much better work ethic if he’s going to earn a pro contract at the end of the season.

Sal Peralta, (OA), C/RW, St. Mike’s

Over-age forward has clicked with newcomer Tyler Haskins to form an effective second line for the Majors … hard-worker recorded two assists in the game by paying the price in front of the net and cycling the puck down low … named the second star of the game … his unit starts most power plays for the Majors, with star center Tim Brent manning the point with Scott Lehman.

Dale Good, (2004), D, St. Mike’s

The Major’s announced after the game that they have signed the Clarkson University defender … recorded five points in 31 games last season in the NCAA … the 6-3, 200lb, 19 year old is a former 3rd round pick of the club in 2000 … he should add strength to an already-consistent defensive group in Toronto.