Hamilton Bulldogs
Division: East
Coach: John Gruden
2016-17 Record: 33-27-4-4 (4th East Division)
Key Additions:
Connor McMichael, Arthur Kaliyev, Liam Van Loon, Narvin Mutter, Jake Murray, Dylan D’Agostino, Owen Burnell
Key Departures:
Niki Petti, Michael Cramarossa, Dawson Carty, Matt Luff
Finishing 4th in the East Division, the Bulldogs made it to the playoffs and lost in the first round to the Kingston Frontenacs in seven games after having a 2-0 lead in the series.
Top Players:
Matthew Strome (C) – 66 GP / 34 G / 28 A / 62 Pts / 62 PIM / +9
William Bitten (RW) – 65 GP / 23 G / 34 A / 57 Pts / 36 PIM / +13
Brandon Saigeon (C) – 66 GP / 21 G / 28 A / 49 Pts / 36 PIM / +26
Justin Lemcke (D) – 66 GP / 9 G / 28 A / 37 Pts / 96 PIM / +2
Kaden Fulcher (G) – 43 GP / 3.21 GAA / .891 SV% / 2 Shutouts
Matthew Strome hopes to continue to impress the Philadelphia Flyers after being drafted in the fourth round of this year’s NHL Entry Draft. He hopes to match or improve on his career high in goals of 34.
He will most likely be flanked by Bitten, a Montreal third round pick, who has a good blend of skill and speed. His showing with the Canadiens during the 2017 NHL Rookie Tournament makes him one to watch in the OHL this season.
The defence will be led by Lemcke, the Bulldogs captain, along with Benjamin Gleason, who finished as the top scoring defender on the roster last season.
Hamilton will feel the loss of Dawson Carty. Fulcher is the likely option to step into the crease for full-time work this season, but keep an eye on Nickolas Donofrio. A 2015 fifth-rounder, Donofrio posted a .921 save percentage in 25 appearances In AAA with the Philadelphia Revolution.
With everybody in the East Division making the playoffs, the Bulldogs once again remain in position to make back-to-back playoff appearances. The defensive unit, as mentioned, remains intact and with the addition of McMichael, the team strengthens their lines for the upcoming season.