The Numbers Game: Jake O’Brien Adds to #44 Legacy
Brantford Bulldogs 8th overall selection in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection Draft, Jake O’Brien has officially selected the #44 becoming the 3rd Bulldogs to wear the number and add to an already rich legacy.
MacKenzie Entwistle was the first Bulldog to dawn #44 after being drafted 40th overall in 2015. Playing three and a half seasons with the Bulldogs, Entwistle encapsulated everything that could be asked of a Bulldog. Tremendous on the ice, skating in 192 regular season games with the club, Entwistle racked up 46 goals & 58 assists for 104 points along with 19 points in 28 playoff games but really shined when the lights were brightest.
In the 2018 run to the Bulldogs 1st OHL Championship, Entwistle compiled 10 goals and 7 assists for 17 points in 21 games and played an essential two-way game that helped lead the Dogs to the J. Ross Robertson Cup.
Entwistle served as captain for the first half of the 2018-19 season before being traded to the Guelph Storm where he captured a 2nd OHL Championship before turning to the professional ranks.
Drafted to the Arizona Coyotes while with the Bulldogs, 3/69 in 2017, Entwistle was dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks where he’s earned himself a role and continues to climb the Hawks lineup skating in 126 NHL games, with 124 of those coming in the last two seasons in Chicago.
When asked about his time with the Bulldogs & the newest #44, Entwistle told us:
“My time in Hamilton was very special. Tons of great memories, met tons of amazing people and best of all won a Championship. Growing up I always wore the number 4 for Bobby Orr and when I arrived in Hamilton they had the #44 available and ended up picking that. Since then it remains one of my favourite numbers. He’s (Jake) got some big shoes to fill with that number because the last two Bulldogs who have worn it have won a Championship in it, Nate Staios & I. I hope he has an amazing career and can’t wait to follow along next year! Go Dogs!”
As the original #44 for the Bulldogs mentioned, the 2nd player to take on the legacy certainly filled the big shoes and left a lasting impression on Bulldogs history in Nathan Staios.
Originally the 17th overall pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection Draft by the Windsor Spitfires, the Bulldogs acquired Staios on August 26th, 2019 and he went on to re-write the record books for Bulldogs defensemen.
After a strong 2019-20 season where Staios led the Bulldogs in goals, assists & points for defensemen with 6-35-41 the gifted blueliner went to a completely different level in 2021-22.
As a veteran leader and assistant captain for the Bulldogs, Staios led by example, setting the franchise record for most goals, assists & points by a Bulldogs defenseman in a single season finishing the year with 15 goals, 51 assists & 66 points in 59 games. The 66 points led all OHL defensemen and combined with his brilliant +40, earned him the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL’s Most Valuable Defenseman.
After posting 3 goals & 6 assists for 9 points in 13 playoff games in helping lead the Bulldogs to the team’s 2nd OHL Championship, including scoring one of the most important goals in franchise history in Game 4 of the Finals, Staios was additionally named the CHL Defenseman of the Year.
Turning pro in the 2022-23 season after signing with the Florida Panthers organization, Staios added to the hardware winning the ECHL’s Kelly Cup in his first season with the Florida Everblades.
When asked on his time with the Bulldogs and legacy of the #44, Staios told us:
“MacKenzie Entwistle has 44 before me, he’s a good friend and was a leader on the team when they won in 2018 so when I was traded here the following year I knew I had big shoes to fill. Throughout the 2 seasons with the Bulldogs, I created lifelong memories and friendships with my teammates, the staff and the community. Winning last year was the best moment of my life and something I will never forget. I’m excited for the future of the organization and looking forward to watching the culture that was created in Hamilton continue to create great hockey players as well as great people. Good luck to Jake and the rest of the boys this year and moving forward.”.
Making #44 a trio, Jake O’Brien signed with the Bulldogs on May 4th after being selected 8th overall in 2023 and joins the Bulldogs coming off an OHL Cup MVP & Championship performance with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.
When asked why he chose #44, O’Brien told us:
“I picked it (#44) when I was 5 years old and liked having double numbers so I’ve stuck with it ever since.”.
When asked about the significance of the #44 in Bulldogs history, O’Brien continued:
“I am honoured to wear #44. (MacKenzie) Entwistle & (Nathan) Staios were both great Bulldogs. I will do my best to live up to their legacies while carving out my own.”.
The Brantford Bulldogs are incredibly excited to watch Jake O’Brien carve out his own legacy wearing one of the most significant numbers in franchise history. Past, present & future of #44 is bright in black & gold.
