Saginaw Spirit captain Braden Haché is the 2023-24 recipient of the OHL Captain's Trophy
Saginaw Spirit overage defenseman is the 2023-24 recipient of the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy.
The Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy is presented annually to the team captain who best embodies leadership both on and off the ice. This year’s OHL winner is Saginaw Spirit overage defenseman, Braden Haché.
“It’s an honor to receive this award. This is a special group and organization, truly a family from the top down. Being named captain of the Spirit is something I’ve taken a lot of pride in,” said Haché.
Off the ice, Haché has done remarkable work in making a difference, raising mental health awareness, and supporting the cause of donating blood. In 2021, he won the Dayna Brons Memorial Award through Hockey Gives Blood.
On the ice, he prides himself on leading his team through his top-notch competitiveness and physical shutdown play style. Haché is not one to avoid confrontation and will regularly step in and stand up for his teammates.
The Newmarket, Ontario native entered the league as a 16-year-old after being selected in the fourth round, 63rd overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection by the Kingston Frontenacs. He was traded to the Barrie Colts in 2023 for their playoff run where he was terrific and though he isn’t known for his offensive production, he recorded nine points in 13 games with Barrie.
Saginaw acquired Haché from Barrie in the summer and finished second amongst defensemen on the team in plus/minus, with a plus-27.
“He came into our training camp last year after the trade and instantly made a positive impression on everyone in the organization. Braden did everything we asked and more this year on and off the ice, and he was a great ambassador for both our team and our league,” said Spirit GM Dave Drinkill.
Haché was drafted in the seventh round, 210th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft by the Florida Panthers. His signing rights expire with the team last June, making him a free agent to sign a pro contract elsewhere. Braden has that desirable size for a defenseman standing at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds. As mentioned, he’s the type of defender who suffocates his opponents with his reach and physicality.
Haché’s season is ongoing as he and his teammates took game one of the 2024 Memorial Cup with a 5-4 victory over the WHL champs, Moose Jaw Warriors.