Brantford Bulldogs electrified to be in the final four of the OHL Playoffs

Logan Taylor/ OHL Images

The Madhouse on Market Street has seen its share of playoff hockey since the Bulldogs franchise relocated to the Telephone City.

After capturing the Hamilton Spectator Trophy and securing home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs, the Brantford Bulldogs have turned TD Civic Centre into one of the toughest buildings for opponents this postseason.

"We've been very fortunate to have an incredible crowd here, incredible fan base," head coach Jay McKee said. "I know the players. I can speak on their behalf in the sense that they feel it every shift, start of the games, whether there's a blocked shot, a goal. It’s obviously nice playing here. It’s a great environment for our players."

Brantford went 48-10-8-2 in the regular season and has carried that success into the postseason. The Bulldogs remain perfect in the playoffs after opening their conference final series with a 4-3 win over the Barrie Colts on Wednesday night.

On a roster built to compete for a championship that features five first-round NHL draft picks, captain Jake O'Brien is the clear standout.

He was voted the Eastern Conference’s smartest player and best playmaker in the Coaches Poll and is a finalist for the Red Tilson Trophy, presented annually to the Most Outstanding Player in the league.

"I've seen him for three years now. He's a special player," McKee said. "There's a reason he's our captain."

The Seattle Kraken prospect leads the Bulldogs in playoff scoring with 18 points in nine games.

O’Brien said he embraces the responsibility that comes with being Brantford’s leader in big moments.

"Obviously, I want to be a big player in this series, and I want to lead the right way."