Oshawa Generals Advance to Eastern Conference Final for Second Consecutive Year, Defeating Brantford Bulldogs

The Oshawa Generals secured a 4-1 victory over the Brantford Bulldogs in Game 6, advancing to the Eastern Conference Final for the second consecutive year.

Brantford initially took control of the series, winning the first two games and scoring a combined 13 goals. However, Oshawa found their stride at home, winning the next four games to clinch the series.

The absence of Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis in Game 4 played a significant role in Brantford's struggles. Lardis, who had scored over 70 goals, was injured in Game 3 after a hit from Nashville Predators prospect Andrew Gibson, who was subsequently suspended for two games. Without Lardis, the Bulldogs' offense struggled, failing to score more than two goals in any game after the first two. Oshawa’s defense, alongside goaltender Jacob Oster’s standout performance, played a key role in shutting down Brantford’s offensive threats.

The Generals’ win in Game 5 on the road set up their opportunity to finish the series on home ice, and they capitalized on it. Oshawa outshot Brantford 15-4 in the first period. Luca Marrelli’s powerful one-timer on the power play energized the crowd, followed by a tap-in goal from Winnipeg Jets prospect Colby Barlow to give Oshawa a 2-0 lead before the first period ended.

Despite Brantford outshooting Oshawa 18-14 for the remainder of the game, the damage had already been done. Owen Griffin and Marek Vanacker traded goals early in the second period, with Oshawa extending their lead to 3-1. Griffin, a top scorer for Oshawa in the postseason and eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, scored a second goal late in the game to seal the victory.

The Generals will now return to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year, after making it to the Finals last season but losing to the London Knights. With a deeper and more experienced roster this year, Oshawa is poised for a stronger run. They will face the winner of Game 7 between Barrie and Kitchener.

In other OHL news, Kitchener Rangers' Head Coach Jussi Ahokas was named the OHL Coach of the Year, winning the Matt Leyden Trophy, as voted by OHL General Managers.