The Brantford Bulldogs named Lawson Sherk as the seventh captain in Bulldogs franchise history on Friday, October 6, 2023.
Joining Sherk, will be assistant captains Nick Lardis, Patrick Thomas, Noah Van Vliet and Jorian Donovan.
Sherk has been the shining example of what it means to be a Bulldog, originally drafted in the second round, 40th overall of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection Draft. Sherk has gone on to play in 192 games, and counting, as a Bulldog.
Scoring in his first OHL game in his debut on September 20, 2019, the franchise knew it had something special in the hard-working centre. Sherk recorded a career high in points during the 2021-22 season with 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points, while showing elite skills as a penalty killer and faceoff man.
In the run to the 2022 OHL Championship, Sherk played in all 19 games, filling multiple roles along the way. Taking key draws, especially in the defensive zone, used in big moments as a penalty killer and playing up the lineup as the Bulldogs looked for a jump, Sherk played a massive role in the Bulldogs lifting their second J. Ross Robertson Cup.
Returning for the 2022-23 season, Sherk took on a larger leadership role and built off his success, re-establishing a career high with 13 goals while cementing himself as a premier defensive forward in the Ontario Hockey League. Heading to Buffalo Sabres camp before returning for his final OHL season, Sherk has gotten off to a fast start with two points in two games while he looks to lead a young Bulldogs team towards their seventh straight playoff qualification.
In being named captain, Sherk follows in a Championship legacy as all seven captains in Bulldogs history, Justin Lemcke, MacKenzie Entwistle, Matthew Strome, Isaac Nurse, Colton Kammerer, Logan Morrison and now Sherk, have all reached the highest peak in the OHL as champions either before taking the “C” or while wearing it.
Former Bulldogs captain, 2022 OHL Playoff MVP and Seattle Kraken prospect Logan Morrison, had glowing praise for the appointment of his long-time teammate.
“After playing with Sherky for four years, I can confidently say there is no one better to lead this up and-coming group. He (Sherk) was a vital piece in our championship year and will do whatever it takes for the team to win,” said Morrison.
Joining Sherk, Patrick Thomas, Nick Lardis, Jorian Donovan and Noah Van Vliet bring a tremendous blend of leadership, both on and off the ice, while all playing key roles for the Bulldogs. All returning from NHL Camps, the four assistant captains are ready to help lead their young teammates and build the next great foundation in Bulldogs history.
On the team’s leadership group, Bulldogs head coach Jay McKee said, “As an organization, we are very proud of our leadership group. The core of this group has matured together on and off the ice over the past few years. They are great choices to help nurture and grow a culture in which we are very proud of.”
