By @MichaelCaples –
Mother’s Day 2018 will hold special significance for the Hamilton Bulldogs and their families.
With a Game 6 victory over the Soo Greyhounds Sunday afternoon, the Bulldogs are OHL champions.
The Robertson Cup championship secures a spot in the 2018 Memorial Cup for Hamilton; the prestigious tournament will take place May 18-27 in Regina, Saskatchewan. The Bulldogs will take on the Regina Pats (host team) and the winners of the QMJHL and WHL playoffs.
WATCH THIS: Champion comeback!
Trio of third period goals by Stillman (5), Thomas (12), and Caamano (10) helped @BulldogsOHL win their first #OHLChampionship title in Game 6 #SSMvsHAM on @Sportsnet 360. pic.twitter.com/DdTtEtQRS7
— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) May 13, 2018
Hamilton’s roster features a substantial amount of Michigan names. Troy native Ryan Moore, in his overage season after playing for the Windsor Spitfires, Plymouth Whalers, Flint Firebirds and Hamilton, was the third Bulldog to hold the Robertson Cup after captain Justin Lemcke and star forward Robert Thomas.
Robert Thomas gets the J Ross Robertson Cup 2nd, but immediately hands it off to Ryan Moore#OHLPlayoffs #BulldogsAssemble pic.twitter.com/iwF8KlDOMZ
— Hockey Guy (@FlyingSkate94) May 13, 2018
Ortonville native Ben Gleason was an anchor on the blue line for the Bulldogs, recording a +8 rating in 21 playoff games.
Ypsilanti native Nick Donofrio didn’t make any appearances in the postseason – hard to do so when you’re stuck behind Red Wings prospect Kaden Fulcher. A free-agent signing by Hockeytown’s team, Fulcher posted a 2.70 goals-against average and .905 save percentage en route to all 16 wins needed for the league title.
Here are all the Michigan connections on the Bulldogs’ roster:
Ryan Moore – Troy native
Ben Gleason – Ortonville native
Nick Donofrio – Ypsilanti native
Arthur Kaliyev – Little Caesars and Compuware alum
Kaden Fulcher – Detroit Red Wings signee
Nicholas Caamano – Flint Firebirds alum
Connor Roberts – Flint Firebirds alum
Will Bitten – Flint Firebirds alum
John Gruden (head coach) – Former NTDP, Flint Firebirds coach