The Barrie Colts organization celebrated a significant milestone on Saturday as two of its players, Ben Willmott and Parker Von Richter, were selected in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The announcement came during the draft held in Montreal, marking the latest chapter in the Colts' history of developing NHL-caliber talent.
Third-Round Selection: Ben Willmott
Ben Willmott, a skilled forward known for his offensive instincts and speed, was chosen by the Anaheim Ducks in the third round, 74th overall. The 18-year-old native of Barrie, Ontario, recorded 22 goals and 35 assists for 57 points in 68 games with the Colts this past season, earning him a spot on the OHL's Second All-Rookie Team. "It's a dream come true to hear my name called by the Ducks," Willmott said in a statement released by the Colts. "I'm grateful to the entire Colts organization for helping me develop as a player and a person."
Fifth-Round Pick: Parker Von Richter
Parker Von Richter, a 17-year-old defenseman from Toronto, was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fifth round, 134th overall. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Von Richter is praised for his physical play and defensive reliability. He contributed 4 goals and 19 assists for 23 points in 66 games during his rookie OHL season. "Parker has a tremendous work ethic and a bright future ahead of him," said Colts General Manager Martin Raymond. "We are incredibly proud of both Ben and Parker for achieving this milestone."
Impact on the Barrie Colts Program
The selections continue the Colts' strong tradition of producing NHL draftees. Since the franchise's inception in 1995, over 50 players have been drafted from the Barrie Colts, including notable names like Ryan O'Reilly and Aaron Ekblad. With these two picks, the Colts have now had at least one player selected in the NHL Draft for 12 consecutive years. The team is expected to return a competitive roster next season, with several other prospects drawing attention from NHL scouts.
The NHL Entry Draft concluded on Saturday with 224 players selected over two days. The Colts will now focus on preparing for the 2026-27 OHL season, which begins in September.
