If you’re looking for a pure sniper, look no further than Colby Barlow of the Owen Sound Attack.
The 6-foot-1, 187-pound left winger isn’t shy to rip a puck on net from anywhere, but in certain circumstances he’s also shown to be capable of adding more dimensions to his game.
The CHL Scholastic Player of the Year, Barlow is a team leader and captained the Attack at 17.
Sam Cosentino and Jason Bukala share more on the player…
Sam Cosentino on the player: Barlow made his mark at 16 years old when he established an Owen Sound record with 30 goals in his draft minus one season. Another franchise record became his this past season, when he scored in 10 straight games from November 12 to December 4.
His draft year got off to a great start, winning gold at the Hlinka Gretzky. In that event, Barlow showed he could do more than just score goals. Getting minutes on the penalty kill, and playing effectively away from the puck, he displayed an openness to add layers to his game.
Over the course of the season, his game continued to grow but not at the cost of his high-end goal-scoring ability. Barlow finished the year with 46 goals and 294 shots on goal. Playing at much less than 100 per cent, Barlow finished his season with Canada at the U18s where he was still able to post four points.
Barlow captained the Owen Sound Attack as well as Team White in the 2023 CHL/NHL Top Prospects game. He wore an “A” for Canada at the U18s.
Jason Bukala’s scouting report: Second half of the OHL season and the U18 Worlds confirmed what he projects to be at the NHL level. He’s a goal scorer with an elite release and he doesn’t require much room to rip pucks on net. A threat off the half wall and net front at even strength and the power play
His ability to find quiet ice speaks to his hockey IQ. He’s a leader and team captain. Has scored 76 goals in his first two OHL seasons. Pure goal scorer. Top six scoring forward on projection.