PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Mark Sheifele made an impact in his return as the Barrie Colts downed the host Plymouth Whalers 6-3 on Friday in Ontario Hockey League play.
Scheifele, who was sent back to junior on Wednesday after playing four games with the Winnipeg Jets, suited up for Barrie for the first time since Jan. 10th and had a goal and an assist in the victory. In 31 games this season with the Colts, Scheifele has 23 goals and 51 points.
Anthony Camara and Andreas Athanasiou also had a goal and an assist apiece for the Colts (34-15-2), who have a four-point lead over the Belleville Bulls for first place in the Eastern Conference, and Steven Beyers chipped in with three assists.
Mitchell Theoret, Josh MacDonald and Zach Hall each scored once to round out Barrie's offence.
Vincent Trocheck scored twice for the Whalers (26-16-9), who held a 3-1 lead before giving up five unanswered goals, and Ryan Hartman had the other.
Mathias Niederberger made 25 saves and is now tied with Oshawa Generals' goaltender Daniel Althsuller for the league lead in wins with 27. Matt Mahalak turned away 25 shots in defeat.
Barrie went 2 for 5 on the power play while Plymouth scored once on three chances with the man advantage.