Brantford Bulldogs signed two of their picks from the 2024 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Draft over the weekend.
The Bulldogs signed defenseman Patrick Babin, the 23rd overall selection, to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement on Friday, May 24, 2024 then followed that up by signing forward Nikolas Rossetto to an OHL Scholarship Development Agreement on Monday, May 27, 2024.
Babin, a Niagara Falls product, was selected out of the Niagara North Stars U16 AAA program where the right-shot rearguard became noted for his skill level, intelligence and leadership qualities, both on and off the ice. Serving as captain for the Niagara North Stars program at all of the U14, U15 and U16 levels, Babin continued to excel in the 2023- 24 season.
Potting eight goals and 28 assists for 36 points in 34 games, Babin, as a defensemen, finished third on his team in scoring and third among all defensemen in the OMHA U16. His offensive output impressive enough, Babin did so while playing in all situations as one of the most trusted blueliners in the OMHA to lead his team.
“The Brantford Bulldogs are excited to receive Patrick Babin’s commitment.” said Matt Turek, General Manager of the Bulldogs. “Patrick is a tremendous talent at a premium position but his character stands above even that talent level. A proven leader at every level he’s played, Patrick exemplifies exactly what we look for in a Bulldog and we look forward to seeing him develop into one of our leaders in Brantford.”
Rossetto, a Sault Ste. Marie native, brings an electrifying skillset to Brantford, coming to the Bulldogs off of his past two seasons that saw him star for the Soo Greyhounds U15 program in 2022-23 before heading over the border joining the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 15U for the 2023-24 season.
With his hometown Greyhounds at the U15 level, Rossetto scored 40 goals and added 25 assists for 65 points in 46 games. As impressive as his 2022-23 season was, his 2023-24 season in Pittsburgh was even more outstanding. The right-shot, right-winger rifled an incredible 54 goals in 58 games while adding 27 assists for 81 total points. Rossetto’s 54 goals and 81 points both led a strong Penguins program while his goal total placed him fourth in the nation at the 15U level.
“The Brantford Bulldogs are very excited to receive the commitment of Nikolas Rossetto.” said Matt Turek, General Manager of the Brantford Bulldogs. “Nikolas is a tremendously skilled player that we feel can be a real difference maker for the Bulldogs going forward. Nikolas possess an elite release and shot combination that immediately makes him a player opposing defenses have to keep tabs on. Nikolas also brings a strong desire to continue to develop his all around game and a commitment to making his team better that shows his high character level that we covet with the Bulldogs. We look forward to seeing Nikolas Rossetto develop in black and gold.”
