After capturing the Hamilton Spectator Trophy as the Ontario Hockey League’s regular-season champions and advancing to the Eastern Conference Final, the Brantford Bulldogs put together the most successful season in franchise history since relocating. A veteran-heavy lineup played a major role in the club’s success throughout both the regular season and playoffs, helping establish Brantford as one of the league’s top contenders.
Now, the Bulldogs prepare to say goodbye to key members of their graduating class as Charlie Paquette and Zackary Sandhu move on from the OHL.
Charlie Paquette (Brantford Bulldogs, Guelph Storm – 2021-26)
Acquired from the Guelph Storm at the January trade deadline, Charlie Paquette joined Brantford after serving as captain in Guelph. Originally selected in the second round (31st overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Paquette was later chosen by the Dallas Stars in the seventh round (222nd overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. The Essex, Ont. native appeared in 294 regular-season games across four-and-a-half seasons with the Storm, recording 165 points (88-77–165).
Following the move to Brantford, he posted 27 points (12-15–27) in 29 regular-season games before adding 11 points (3-8–11) in 15 playoff contests during the Bulldogs’ deep postseason run.
Zackary Sandhu (Brantford Bulldogs, Oshawa Generals, Guelph Storm – 2021-26)
Acquired from the Oshawa Generals in a major trade at the beginning of the season, Zackary Sandhu arrived in Brantford following a career-best 24-point campaign and consecutive appearances in the OHL Finals. In his lone season with the Bulldogs, Sandhu recorded 14 points (3-11–14) and a career-high 72 shots from the blueline across 53 regular-season games. He also appeared in 62 career postseason contests, the most among any active OHL player this season.
The Toronto, Ont. native wrapped up his OHL career with 60 points (17-43–60), 248 penalty minutes, and 248 shots through 242 regular-season games. Originally selected by the Guelph Storm in the seventh round (122nd overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Sandhu developed into a dependable veteran presence on the back end.
2006-born players:
* denotes players who are committed to the NCAA for next season
Currently, the Brantford Bulldogs feature ten 2006-born players in Jett Luchanko (Philadelphia Flyers), Marek Vanacker (Chicago Blackhawks), Adam Jiricek (St. Louis Blues), Owen Protz (Montreal Canadiens), Ben Danford (Toronto Maple Leafs), Ryder Boulton, Luca Testa, Gabriel Frasca*, David Egorov, and Ryerson Leenders (Buffalo Sabres).
