It’s not how you start; it’s how you finish. That mantra came to life for the Barrie Colts as they overcame a slow start to deliver a commanding win against the Kingston Frontenacs in Game 1 of their playoff series.
The Sadlon Arena witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions on Thursday night as the Barrie Colts staged a remarkable comeback to notch a 6-2 victory over the Kingston Frontenacs. The game highlighted resilience, teamwork, and the undeniable brilliance of Riley Patterson, who was pivotal in turning the tide.
The start was anything but ideal for the Colts. Within seven minutes, Kingston capitalized on early opportunities, leaving Barrie trailing 2-0. Outplayed and outshot 33-12 over the first two periods, it seemed the Colts were on shaky ground. Yet, as forward Riley Patterson put it, “We saved our best for last.” And save it they did.
It was Patterson who led the charge, notching a goal and two assists to ignite Barrie’s offence. His poise and vision were instrumental in helping the Colts claw back from their deficit, tying the game in the first period with goals from Patterson himself and Emil Hemming. Despite a rocky second period, the Colts regrouped and entered the third with renewed purpose, holding a slim 3-2 lead.
What followed was nothing short of spectacular. The Colts, known for their speed and forechecking prowess, shifted into overdrive. Dalyn Wakely opened the third-period scoring just 1:30 in, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Beau Jelsma and Kashawn Aitcheson added to the tally in quick succession, cementing Barrie’s dominance in the frame. Outshooting the Frontenacs 19-7 in the period, the Colts left no doubt about their intent to control the series.
But the unsung hero of the night was goaltender Sam Hillebrandt, whose rock-solid performance kept Barrie in contention during their sluggish moments. Hillebrandt stopped 38 of 40 shots, providing the stability the Colts desperately needed to find their rhythm. His efforts were praised across the board, with coach Marty Williamson emphasizing his critical role in the second period when the team was under siege.
Coach Williamson also highlighted the team’s ability to adapt and improve as the game progressed. “We’re a simple team. We get the puck in deep, work on the forecheck, and that causes problems,” he said. This straightforward approach paid dividends, proving that fundamentals can be the difference-maker, especially in high-pressure playoff scenarios.
As the series continues, the Colts aim to build on this momentum. Patterson, a standout throughout the season, remains confident in the team’s ability to replicate their third-period brilliance over a full 60 minutes. While Game 1 underscored their resilience, Barrie knows consistency will be key as they look to retain home-ice advantage in Game 2.
For the fans in attendance, the game was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of playoff hockey. With the series heating up, all eyes now turn to Saturday night for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this Eastern Conference showdown.
The Barrie Colts proved that grit and determination could overcome even the shakiest of starts. And if their Game 1 performance is any indicator, this is a team that’s prepared to fight until the final whistle.
References:
Colts shake off slow start to top Frontenacs in series opener
