Zak Lavoie's Found A New Gear in Brantford Since Being Traded

Zak Lavoie has six points through his first three games with the Brantford Bulldogs since the IceDogs traded him at the OHL Trade Deadline. More on his new role and found success with his new team.

Zak Lavoie was traded from the Niagara IceDogs to the Brantford Bulldogs at the OHL Trade Deadline, his second time being traded in major junior. Lavoie's OHL career started successfully in Mississauga, and he hasn't been able to find that same success in Niagara. 

Lavoie has found a new gear in Brantford. 

Since joining the Bulldogs, Lavoie now has six points through three games. He's been playing on the second line with two youngsters — Marek Vanacker & Jake O'Brien. 

Lavoie's unique combination of speed and goal scoring makes him valuable on this line. O'Brien has the brains, and Vanacker does work down low and drives the puck hard. This line was clicking on Wednesday night against Oshawa, as all three put up two points and contributed on each others goals. 

Lavoie's history proves that sometimes a player's environment is what determines their success. 

In Mississauga, Lavoie was surrounded by complete centres with Luca Del Bel Belluz and Owen Beck in the top six. He was successful with the Steelheads, and even drew some draft talk ahead of the 2022 NHL Draft. His name was never called at the draft, and he wasn't able to find the same success in Niagara.

With the IceDogs, he was relied upon to be the "go-to" player and produce every night — which he could not live up to. Lavoie is not a driver, and he flourishes when surrounded by players who can drive and make plays. Lavoie's speed and shooting ability thrives when he is able to focus on supporting plays and finishing them off.

Since joining the Bulldogs, it seems like the "old" Lavoie is back. He has found a situation alongside O'Brien and Vanacker where he can focus on his own game. 

Lavoie has the ability to score clutch goals, just as he scored the game winner against Oshawa. If the Bulldogs go far in the playoffs, their coaches will want Lavoie on the ice when their team needs a goal.