Ottawa Black Bears Release Colton Lidstone from Active Roster

The Ottawa Black Bears have announced that forward Colton Lidstone has been released from the team’s active roster. This move comes as the Black Bears continue to assess their lineup and make adjustments as the season progresses. While Lidstone has been a hard-working player for the team, the decision was made as part of the organization’s strategy to reconfigure their roster and improve overall performance.

Lidstone, who signed with the Black Bears ahead of this season, had been competing for a regular spot in the lineup. Known for his two-way game and work ethic, Lidstone brought a physical presence to the team but struggled to find consistent playing time in an increasingly competitive lineup. Over the course of his time with Ottawa, he contributed in a limited role, mainly on the third and fourth lines.

“Colton is a hard-nosed player who gave us his best effort every time he stepped on the ice,” said Black Bears general manager Tom McKenzie. “Unfortunately, we’re at a point in the season where we need to make some difficult decisions. We appreciate everything Colton has done for the team and wish him the best moving forward.”

Lidstone’s release reflects the natural ebb and flow of roster management, particularly as teams look to balance player development with winning games. The Black Bears, who have been tweaking their lineup as they navigate the season, are seeking to make room for younger talent or potential acquisitions that could help the team push toward the top of the standings.

Although Lidstone’s time in Ottawa was brief, he demonstrated professionalism and a strong work ethic both on and off the ice. His energy and willingness to engage physically made him a valuable player in certain matchups, and he was often praised for his team-first mentality. However, as the team looks to fine-tune its roster, the coaching staff and management decided to move in a different direction.

The release of Lidstone opens up opportunities for other players on the roster who are looking to make their mark. It may also signal that the Black Bears are looking to bring in additional talent or explore other roster changes in the coming weeks.

For Lidstone, this change represents an opportunity to explore new options, whether that means finding a new team or pursuing opportunities in a different league. At 22 years old, Lidstone still has plenty of time to continue developing his game and carve out a path for himself in professional hockey.

As the season continues, the Ottawa Black Bears remain focused on building a competitive and cohesive roster that can compete at the highest level.