Troops ink defender Harper
NORTH BAY, Ont. — The North Bay Battalion has signed defenceman Brandt Harper to an education and development agreement, the Ontario Hockey League club announced Friday.
In 50 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League in 2024-25, Harper scored three goals and earned 12 assists for 15 points with 27 penalty minutes. The Tampa, Fla., resident turns 19 on July 20.
Harper is committed to the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor but, since the Nov. 7 vote of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division I council to lift its ban on former Canadian Hockey League players, he now can play in the OHL without losing eligibility.
“Brandt is a much needed addition to our back end and will give us a quality right-shot defenceman who we expect to be a key contributor to our team next season,” said Adam Dennis, Battalion director of hockey operations.
“He had options with several other top teams in the OHL but felt North Bay was the best fit for the next step in his career. We look forward to working with the Harper family and Michigan to help Brandt achieve his goals on and off the ice.”
Harper said he takes pride in playing both ends of the rink.
“I’m a two-way defenceman,” Harper recently noted from home. “I like to play offence without sacrificing defence.”
The six-foot 192-pounder said he was impressed by Battalion coaches, as well as by the OHL.
“I had some really great conversations with them ahead of signing. Also, the nature of the league: I’m intrigued by the play style of the league.”
The 7th Man also resonated with him, Harper acknowledged.
“I’ve heard that the fan base gets pretty rowdy. That’s something I love and can’t wait to experience.”
Harper had two seasons with the Bishop Kearney Selects of Rochester, N.Y., before playing in 2022-23 for the Shattuck-St. Mary’s U16s of Faribault, Minn.
He joined the USHL’s Tri-City Storm, based in Kearney, Neb., for the 2023-24 season and was traded to the Buccaneers of West Des Moines, Iowa, on Oct. 23, 2024. His USHL totals are 109 games, five goals, 17 assists, 22 points and 35 PiM.
