The Future of The Flames Is In Barrie

If there’s one team in the OHL that Flames fans and management should be very interested in, it’s definitely the Barrie Colts. 

Why? 

Well, two of the most promising Flames prospects in Rasmus Andersson and Andrew Mangiapane both wear the Colts jersey, and both are having pretty good seasons thus far.

At just 18 years old, Andersson already has a goal and an assist for the Colts this early into the season. 

He’s an offensively active defenseman, who almost always outworks his opponents. 

He can skate with the best of them, and is very responsible in his own end. 

The Flames like him because he’s able to work all three zones, battle in the corners, all while making his teammates better. 

Born in Malmo, Sweden, Andersson began his career in his native country where he played for the Malmo Redhawks, and the Swedish U18 team. 

He came to the Barrie Colts during the 2014-15 season, where he led all defenseman on the team in points with 64. 

The Flames liked what they saw, and drafted him 53rd overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft in Florida. 

Rasmus Andersson isn’t the only Calgary prospect in Barrie though. 

Andrew Mangiapane is making a name for himself as well. 

He was one of the most underrated prospects coming into the 2015 Entry Draft, even with the 104 points he produced during his second season in Barrie in the 2014-2015 season. 

And he’s off to a terrific start in the OHL with 4 goals and 7 assists in 10 games played. 

Mangiapane has amazing footwork and speed, and always seems to get better each game he plays in the OHL. 

He might be small, but just like his teammate in Rasmus Andersson, he’s fearless.  

And at 19 years old, it’s looking like he’ll have a bright career over the next number of years. 

The future of the Calgary Flames is in Barrie.