Young hockey players hit the ice at Barrie Colts March Break Camp

March Break brings the return of a fan-favourite camp held by the Barrie Colts.

The Barrie Colts March Break Hockey Camp has returned for another year, giving young players the opportunity to learn from the team’s coaching staff and interact with their Ontario Hockey League idols.

The camp, which hit the ice on Monday, offers participants hands-on instruction and on-ice development, with a special opportunity to meet some of the Colts players at the Sadlon Arena in Barrie.

“We have great support from these kids every game, so to give back and have them at the rink, and hanging out with us, signing autograph and watch them practice, it means a lot to us,” said Colts captain Beau Jelsma.

Along with skill-building sessions, campers got to get some autographs and meet some of the players before lacing up their skates for the day’s drills.

Colts assistant coach Connor Cadarte said the camp is a win-win for the young players and the OHL team.

“It’s great to see all of the young faces come in here, smiling and bringing some energy to the rink,” he said. “I think it’s great for our team as well to raise the energy of our guys, and hopefully we have some future Colts in the mix here.”

The March Break camp resumes Wednesday before wrapping up on Thursday.