Game played 1/22/2025.
General Game Notes: January 22, 2025 – OHL action between Brantford Bulldogs and Niagara IceDogs. Six straight goals for the Bulldogs paced the way for a commanding victory by the final score of 6-2. Patrick Thomas #93 led the way with 6 points in the contest.
Ryerson Leenders (G, L, 6’1″, 180, Brantford Bulldogs, 06/01/2006)
Grade: B+
General Game Notes: January 22, 2025 – OHL action between Brantford Bulldogs and Niagara IceDogs. Six straight goals for the Bulldogs paced the way for a commanding victory by the final score of 6-2. Patrick Thomas #93 led the way with 6 points in the contest.
Adam Jiricek (D, R, 6’3″, 194, Brantford Bulldogs, 06/28/2006)
Grade: B+
Comments: Jiricek is a right-shot defenseman with a great combination of size, speed, and skill. He uses his skating ability in his own end to gather pucks and quickly transition them up ice, showing poise with the puck rather than rushing decisions. He’s effective at holding onto pucks, making the right play rather than blindly clearing it, which helps maintain possession and create opportunities. Offensively, Jiricek has solid instincts, regularly passing to teammates in high-danger areas, and playing with his head up to read the game. Whether deciding to distribute the puck or shoot it on net, he’s always making smart, calculated plays.
Owen Protz (D, L, 6’1″, 213, Brantford Bulldogs, 02/07/2006)
Grade: B
Comments: Protz had a standout moment in the game, scoring a sharp goal after receiving the puck at the offensive blue line. He opened up his hips, bought himself some time, and quickly released a wrister that found the top shelf, showcasing his offensive ability. That goal was a perfect example of Protz’s two-way game—he’s not just a capable offensive contributor but also a solid, well-rounded defender. Strong on his skates, he brings a physical presence in the defensive zone, winning battles and protecting his crease.
Nick Lardis (LW, L, 6’0″, 180, Brantford Bulldogs, 07/08/2005)
Grade: A-
Comments: Lardis is an exceptional skater, with the ability to make plays at full speed that stand out. He’s incredibly quick, flying up and down the boards, and can stop on a dime to buy time and set up plays—particularly by hitting the trailer coming into the zone. His unpredictability makes him difficult to defend; he can attack the net with blistering speed and finish on his own, or find the best offensive option for a teammate. Lardis isn’t just about skill—he’s also willing to go to the dirty areas. This was evident on the first goal of the game, where he scored right in the blue paint, showing his ability to capitalize on those gritty, hard-working opportunities. He’s a perfect example of a player who can score both highlight-reel goals and dirty, in-the-paint goals, making him a versatile and dangerous offensive weapon.
Thomas Budnick (D, L, 6’1″, 205, Brantford Bulldogs, 02/14/2004)
Grade: B-
Comments: Budnick is a physical defenseman who plays with an edge, making sure his opponents know he’s on the ice. He finishes his checks consistently and isn’t afraid to throw his weight around, using his physicality to wear down opposing forwards. On the penalty kill, he was particularly effective, winning crucial puck battles and clearing the front of the net with authority. While his game is straightforward, Budnick’s simplicity is what makes him effective—he plays his role well, focusing on strong defensive fundamentals and physical play. Overall, he’s a reliable, no-nonsense defender who adds grit and toughness to the lineup.
Jake O’Brien (C, R, 6’2″, 175, Brantford Bulldogs, 06/16/2007)
Grade: B+
Comments: O’Brien is a rangy forward with impressive skating for his size, using his stride to build momentum across all three zones. He’s effective at attacking defenders wide, then cutting to the middle to create space or drive towards the net. His long reach and quick feet allow him to protect the puck well, evading both turnovers and checks. Offensively, he shows good playmaking ability, making clean tape-to-tape passes in scoring areas, and he’s not afraid to take the puck to the net himself when the opportunity arises. Defensively, O’Brien can be a bit loose at times, particularly when he swings by pucks in his own zone, leaving him vulnerable. However, his speed, power, and offensive upside more than compensate for any occasional lapses.
Cole Brown (RW, L, 6’3″, 170, Brantford Bulldogs, 04/27/2005)
Grade: B+
Comments: Brown is a physically dominant power forward with a solid blend of skill and hockey IQ. He uses his size effectively in the offensive zone, winning battles along the boards and maintaining puck possession, especially in front of the net. While he’s a physical presence, his hands and vision are impressive for a player of his size. Brown has the ability to read the game and create scoring chances, both for himself and his teammates. His fake shot and quick pass on the first goal of the game, that led to a back-door set-up show his abilities around the net. Defensively, Brown is responsible and uses his size to win puck battles and break up plays when necessary.
Patrick Thomas (C, L, 6’0″, 178, Brantford Bulldogs, 08/21/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: Thomas was all over the score sheet, contributing in every area of the game. While he might not always make the flashy plays, he consistently makes the simple, hard plays that often lead to scoring chances. His hands are smooth in tight areas, allowing him to finish when the opportunity arises, but it’s his passing ability that truly stands out. Thomas excels in puck battles, winning them in crucial areas of the ice, and in doing so, he creates space for himself and his teammates. This ability to create space and win battles typically leads to scoring opportunities, and he’s quick to capitalize on them. Thomas may not always be the center of attention, but his work ethic, vision, and ability to make the right plays make him an invaluable contributor.
Noah Van Vliet (D, L, 6’2″, 222, Niagara Icedogs, 02/18/2004, Sacred Heart)
Grade: B
Comments: Van Vliet is a big, tough defenseman who thrives on physicality and playing an in-your-face style. He’s not shy about giving opponents an extra whack with his stick or making his presence known in every shift. While not overly flashy, he’s effective in the key areas of his game—blocking shots, boxing out attackers in front of the net, and making smart plays to move the puck up the ice. Van Vliet leads by example, playing a hard-nosed, simple game that’s all about doing the little things right. He’s a reliable, physical presence on the back end, and his straightforward approach makes him a tough opponent to play against.
Kevin He (LW, L, 5’11”, 182, Niagara Icedogs, 04/30/2006)
Grade: B+
Comments: He plays with his head up and is a constant threat every time he enters the offensive zone. With excellent puck control, he keeps the puck on his stick through tight spaces, using small, subtle stick-handles to evade checks. His vision is impressive, as he consistently zips tape-to-tape passes, particularly on the power play, finding seams and putting his teammates in high-percentage scoring positions. His shiftiness, combined with his ability to read the play and make quick decisions, makes him tough to contain in the offensive zone.
Blair Scott (D, R, 6’2″, 195, Niagara Icedogs, 04/14/2005)
Grade: B-
Comments: Scott is a rugged, stay-at-home defenseman with a strong presence in his own zone. He excels in puck battles, using his physicality to win battles along the boards and clear the crease. When necessary, he’s not afraid to play a bit mean, making sure opponents know he’s not easy to play against. A great example came in the first period when he stepped up for a clean, open-ice hit, which led to a fight showing his overall toughness.
Ryan Roobroeck (C, L, 6’4″, 192, Niagara Icedogs, 09/25/2007)
Grade: B+
Comments: Roobroeck is a bigger forward with significant upside to his game. He showcases solid skill in the offensive zone, able to catch and release pucks quickly in scoring areas. His size and strength allow him to push off defenders and find open space, particularly around the net. He’s tough to move, often getting inside the defense and establishing a strong presence in front of the net. Roobroeck’s ability to protect the puck, lean on opponents, and create space for his linemates is a valuable asset. As he continues to develop, there’s plenty of room for his game to grow, making him an intriguing prospect with a lot of potential.
Andrei Loshko (RW, L, 6’2″, 190, Niagara Icedogs, 10/07/2004)
Grade: B+
Comments: Loshko is an outstanding two-way forward with a strong presence in both ends of the ice. He’s especially effective on the penalty kill, as demonstrated in the first period during a 5-on-3 situation, where he played the ‘up top’ role. He blocked multiple shots, disrupted passes, and broke up a key play to clear the puck out of the zone—playing a major part in preventing a goal. Offensively, Loshko uses his size and reach to drive to the net, combining skill and grit to make him difficult to defend. His ability to battle through checks and create scoring chances is a big asset. His defensive contributions, paired with his ability to push the pace offensively, make him a well-rounded, reliable player who excels in all areas of the game.
Matthew Virgilio (D, L, 6’0″, 200, Niagara Icedogs, 03/24/2006)
Grade: B
Comments: Virgilio played a key role on the power play, quarterbacking the unit and dictating the flow of play. With a shoot-first mindset, he’s always looking to create opportunities by filtering pucks through lanes and letting powerful shots go on net. When he gets the puck to the net, his shot often generates second-chance opportunities, creating chaos around the crease. As a right-shot defenseman, Virgilio is also reliable in his own end, making clean exits and using his offensive instincts to help him limit his defensive zone time.
Braidy Wassilyn (C, L, 5’11”, 194, Niagara Icedogs, 05/28/2008)
Grade: B
Comments: Wassilyn is a player with lots of upside, playing at full speed in every aspect of the game. He’s a serious threat off the rush, using his speed to push defenders back and attack the net, either with quick-released shots or by finding teammates crashing the net. His forechecking is relentless; he keeps his feet moving, constantly disrupting plays and creating turnovers. Wassilyn was a constant presence on the ice, always in the mix and making an impact with his speed and tenacity.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images