Colin Ward / OHL in 60 Podcast
@Colinward_O / @OHLin60Podcast
Projected 2025 first-round NHL pick Jake O’Brien had a goal and an assist along with a tough shutdown defensive effort from the Brantford Bulldogs' backend, which was too much for the North Bay Battalion to handle on Friday night in Game 1 of their first round Eastern Conference Playoff series.
The Bulldogs' special teams were on point, going two-for-three on the power play, proving to be the difference maker in game one. North Bay had five chances, including a five-on-three, but the Battalion went one-for-five on the power play.
Six different goal scorers including Nick Rossetto, Lucas Moore, Calvin Crombie, Patrick Thomas, Jake O'Brien, and Nick Lardis lifted the Eastern Conference's highest seed to victory over a well coached Battalion team that had been to the Eastern Conference finals over the past three seasons.
After a 6-3 loss, look for North Bay to return to their defensive structure and game plan on Sunday in game two of the series, which will be held at the Brantford Civic Centre, coming off a Black Out promotion in Game 1 in front of 3207 fans at the madhouse. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. on Sunday night.
