“Among his many strengths, Owen has the ability to create offense both 5-on-5 and on the powerplay,” said George Burnett. “He set himself a part with his playoff performance in 2025 and gained valuable experience helping his team to consecutive OHL Finals.We are excited to welcome Owen and his family to the Storm organization.”

The Markham, ON native was originally selected in the first round, 6th overall, by the Generals in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. In his first threeseasons in the OHL, the veteran forward has recorded 48 goals and 76 assists for 124points in 189 regular season games. Griffin has added another 34 points (17 goals and 17 assists) in 42 career OHL playoff games, which included back-to-back J. Ross Robertson Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025. Griffin led the OHL in goals during the 2025 OHL playoffs. He was selected in the 5th round, 160th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

The 2007-born forward represented Canada at the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challengewhere he won a gold medal with Storm players Ethan Czata, Tyler Hopkins, and Rylan Singh.

“I am excited for this new opportunity and ready to do whatever I can to help the Storm succeed this upcoming season,” said Owen Griffin. “I cannot wait to get started.”

“Vladimir is an elite, puck-moving defenseman who is expected to contribute and lead in all situations for our team this season,” said George Burnett. “We anticipate signing Adrien to an OHL Standard Player Agreement, and we expect him to play a key role with our forward group in the fall. We are excited to welcome both Vladimir and Adrien to the Storm organization.”

Dravecky, a Czechia native, was originally selected in the first round, 50^th overall, by the Bulldogs in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. In his first season in North America, the right-shot blueliner notched 9 goals and 19 assists for 28 points and was plus-24 in 58 regular-season games. The 6-foot, 190 lbs defender added 3 points in 11 playoff games, helping Brantford to an Eastern Conference final appearance. Dravecky represented Czechia at the 2026 U20 World Junior Championships, where he won a silver medal. He will be eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo later this month.

Bartovic, also a Czechia native, was selected by the Bulldogs in the first round, 42^nd overall, in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. The 6-foot-1, 185 lbs forward recorded 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points in 29 regular season games for the Bili Tygri Liberec U20 squad, ranking second on his team in points. He finished the season with 17 games in the Slovakian men’s league, where he notched three goals and an assist.

“Real strength is choosing hope over fear—every single time. My mom didn’t just fight cancer, she changed the way I see life," said blueliner Grant Spada. "When everything around her said to be afraid, she chose faith. When the outcome was uncertain, she chose to believe in something better. She faced everything with courage, trust, and a mindset that refused to give up."

Grant will be raising funds to be donated to McMaster Children's Hospital, which is one of Canada's largest pediatric academic care teaching hospitals. Located in Hamilton, Ont., the hospital is home to one of the fastest-growing kids-only emergency departments, as well as one of the most advanced neonatal intensive care units in the country. In addition to the monetary donations, Spada and the Guelph Storm will be welcoming pediatric patients to various home games as "Spada's Star of the Game", with the hope of providing a meaningful way to brighten their day. Each Star of the Game will be recognized by the team, receive complimentary tickets to the game, and meet with Grant post-game.

When Grant was growing up, his mother, Alison Spada, was diagnosed with stage three brain cancer and underwent four major surgeries during her journey. While this is something most cannot imagine, what stuck out to Grant was how his mother faced this battle, "She had belief in her heart and soul that she was going to make it through, and she held onto that no matter what," said Spada.

Fast forward to June 2026, it has now been eight years with no hospital stays, and eight years of stable MRIs for Alison. The kind of strength and resiliency that Alison continues to display is something Grant carries with him into all of his endeavors, both on and off the ice.

"What means the most to me is that through all of it, she never stopped being there for my sister and me. Every game, every moment - she's always been our biggest supporter," said Grant. "She's my hero, and because of her, I've learned what real strength looks like. It's not always about getting through the hardest moments, but how you carry yourself through them, how you believe, and how you keep going."

Alison is Grant's inspiration for starting Spada Strong. His goal is not simply to share his mother's story, but to unite with the many who have been touched by cancer in their lives. He wants to honour the children who are going through their own battles, to provide additional hope and support towards their fight.

Donations to Spada Strong can be made here. Throughout the 2026/2027 season, other forms of fundraising and engagement will be announced.

"If you are in a place where you can support, donate, or even simply share this message, it means more than you know," added Grant.

Please contact Public Relations and Social Media Coordinator Lisa Della Mattia, ldellamattia@guelphstorm.com, with any questions.

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