The Brantford Bulldogs have suddenly found themselves at the head of the Eastern Conference standings, even though they began the season very young and inexperienced.
The Bulldogs moved from Hamilton to Brantford at the start of the 2023-2024 campaign, but their success has not waivered. Since entering the OHL in 2015, the Bulldogs have won two championships, and seem to find success every season.
This season has been no different.
Despite entering the season with a very young, inexperience group, the Bulldogs have found a way to consistently get into the win column. They currently sit first in the Eastern Conference, and their young players have stepped up to the plate.
Leading Brantford in points is Chicago Blackhawks draft pick Nick Lardis, who has been one of the most consistent goal scorers in the OHL this season. Lardis has a natural goal scoring ability. He has the ability to curl the puck into his feet to deceive the goaltender and change the angle. Lardis will shoot from anywhere in the attacking zone, and he is able to shoot the puck while moving at top speed.
Draft eligible forward Marek Vanacker has also had a welcomed-breakout season in Brantford this year. Vanacker's hands down low and in tight allow him to create around the net. He is incredibly strong on the puck, and he plays with a bit of an edge.
Vanacker has slowly been creeping upwards on many draft boards, and plays a very unique style of game compared to many forwards in this draft class. He may have the most skilled hands and manipulation-ability of anyone in this class from the OHL.
On Vanacker's line is rookie Jake O'Brien, and recently acquired winger Zakary Lavoie. O'Brien has phenomenal vision and playmaking ability; if you are open, he will find you.
Acquiring Lavoie from the Niagara IceDogs has also turned out to be a smart decision. He has found great chemistry with this line and has nine points in his first five games as a Bulldog.
Lavoie brings an element of speed and shooting ability to this second line, similar to a role that Nick Lardis fills on the first line. He has been able to re-discover his game in Brantford so far, after losing some momentum while in Niagara
The Bulldogs offence has been relentless, and they keep finding a way to get wins by outscoring their opponents.
On defence, the Bulldogs picked up Daniil Sobolev and Owen Protz at the trade deadline. These two defenders have proven that they can play heavy minutes in defensive situations, players that Brantford previously lacked.
In net, overage goaltender Matteo Drobac has been getting the job done. Drobac has started 33 of Brantford's 42 games this season. He doesn't have the best numbers, but he has been good enough for this team.
Brantford did lose some bodies at the OHL Trade Deadline, dealing Jorian Donovan, Callum Cheynowski, and Masen Wray. Donovan was surely the most significant piece traded away, as he joins Saginaw for their Memorial Cup run.
Even since losing these pieces, the Bulldogs have found a way to keep getting wins.
The Bulldogs' organization has something that many others don't.
They know how to build a team that can win when it matters most, and that has been proven in their two OHL Championships in eight years of existence.