OHL 20 in 20 Season Preview: Hamilton Bulldogs
The Hamilton Bulldogs start from the top of the mountain after hoisting the J. Ross Robertson Cup for the first time last spring. Though they lose several veterans, new head coach Dave Matsos inherits a well-rounded group.
2017-18 Record: 43-18-4-3, 93 points (1st East Division)
Head Coach: Dave Matsos (1st season/4th OHL season)
Key additions: DJ King, Liam Van Loon, Logan Morrison, Tim Fleischer, Michael Renwick, Davis Young, Frank Jenkins, Avery Hayes
Notable graduates: Robert Thomas^, Brandon Saigeon^^, Justin Lemcke, Jack Hanley, Connor Walters, Riley Stillman, Kaden Fulcher, Ryan Moore, Will Bitten, Nicholas Caamano, Marian Studenic, Ben Gleason
Leading scorer: Matthew Strome* (65 GP, 37-31–68)
Leading scorer (defenceman): Nicolas Mattinen* (64 GP, 8-22–30)
Leading scorer (rookie): Arthur Kaliyev (68 GP, 31-17–48)
Leading goaltender: Nick Donofrio* (17 GP, 11-1-0-1, 3.14 GAA, .884 SV%, 1 SO)
Quick Hit: Arthur Kaliyev’s 31 goals last season were the most by a 16-year-old rookie in Bulldogs all-time franchise history
#OHLOpeningWeek schedule: Fri. Sept. 21 at NB, Sat. Sept. 22 at BAR
^Eligible to return from St. Louis (NHL)
^^Eligible to return for OA season from Colorado (NHL)
*among returning players
This month ontariohockeyleague.com will feature one team each day in advance of the 2018-19 season which begins Wednesday September 19th. See more from the OHL 20 in 20 series.
