Host Spotlight: OHL’s Bulldogs aim to add to Hamilton’s hockey history
Steve Staios had his sights set on Will Bitten for a long time.
The Hamilton Bulldogs president and general manager, a native son of Hamilton, got his man on September 28th, putting him in Bulldogs black and gold as Bitten instantly became a go-to-guy in his new Hamilton surroundings.
A third round pick by the Montreal Canadiens this past June, Bitten says that the Bulldogs organization, from the top-down, is destined for big things.
After missing out on the playoffs last spring, the Dogs are off to a 10-6-3-0 start in their second season, sitting second in the East Division.
“I’ve had the chance to talk and get to know Steve (Staios) quite a bit,” said Bitten. “He and the management group have done a tremendous job with the team and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the organization.”
Known as one of the OHL’s fastest skaters, Bitten has recorded four goals, eight assists and 12 points over 16 games with the Bulldogs, joining a core consisting of draft eligible 17-year-olds Matthew Strome and MacKenzie Entwistle along with seasoned veterans in Los Angeles Kings prospect Matt Luff, fifth-year vets Niki Petti and Michael Cramarossa, and 19-year-old captain Justin Lemcke.
Perhaps the part of Hamilton Bitten has enjoyed most has been a reunion with former head coach John Gruden who he played under in Flint last season.
“John is a real good coach, a guy who really cares,” said Bitten. “He’s a player’s coach and a guy who really puts in the time and invests in the team. I know all of the players appreciate that.”
Hamilton boasts an extensive junior hockey history, featuring Mastercard Memorial Cup titles by the Hamilton Red Wings in 1962 and the Hamilton Fincups in 1976. Such names as Pat Quinn, Paul Henderson, Pit Martin and Dale McCourt have steered Hamilton junior hockey teams to victory.
Bitten and the Bulldogs are trying to bring playoff hockey back to the city for the first time since 2011.
In addition to that, Bitten is making a bid for a spot on Canada’s National Junior Team this December and it wouldn’t be his first tour of duty with Hockey Canada. The Gloucester, Ont. native won a gold medal at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in 2015, a team that included fellow OHL’ers in Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads), Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting) and Victor Mete (London Knights).
Known as a player who can push the pace, Bitten is striving to play to his strengths on Monday night.
“I know they like my speed and its something I’ve been able to use in the international game in the past,” he said. “The Ivan Hlinka tournament was one of the highlights of my career and I really hope to be able to represent Canada again. I have to continue to play my game, use my speed and compete.”
What could turn out to be a crucial game in the 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series gets underway in Hamilton at 7:00pm on Monday. Team OHL battles Russia in Game 4 of the series on Sportsnet.
