Bulldogs blank Frontenacs to capture East Division title

The Brantford Bulldogs are 2025 East Division champions, claiming the Leyden Trophy for the first time since relocation to Brantford.

Ryerson Leenders made 30 saves in his first shutout as a Bulldog as Brantford snapped Kingston’s 16-game home winning streak in a 4-0 final at Slush Puppie Place on Friday.

The 43-19-5-0 Bulldogs will enter the playoffs as the first place team in the Eastern Conference, boasting a league-leading 28.5% power play. They’ve also been the least penalized team in the OHL this season. Their first round opponent will be either North Bay or Ottawa pending the conclusion of the regular season.

The Bulldogs win their third Leyden Trophy following previous division titles as the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2018 and 2022. Both prior titles were stepping stones to OHL championships later that spring.

Brantford has been led offensively by 71-goal scorer Nick Lardis, one of eight players in OHL history to score at least 70 in a season. He’s joined by fellow 100+ point producer Patrick Thomas while NHL Draft prospect Jake O’Brien is three shy of the century mark.

The Leyden Trophy was first presented in the 1975-76 season when the OHL was split into divisions with the expansion of the League to 12 teams. The award originated in recognition of Matt Leyden for his contribution to Junior hockey in Ontario.

EAST DIVISION DAWGS#BFD | #OHL pic.twitter.com/eNl1MC9mh3

— Brantford Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) March 22, 2025