Nick Lardis of the Brantford Bulldogs has been stealing the spotlight this season, marking his seventh hat trick on February 23, 2025, against the Ottawa 67's. With this incredible performance, Lardis extended his goal count to 63, affirming his dominance on the ice and solidifying his position as one of the top players in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
The surprising final score of 5-1 reflected not only Lardis's prowess but also highlighted the strong contributions from his teammates. Patrick Thomas added to the score by netting his 24th goal of the season, and Ryerson Leenders stood tall between the pipes with 29 saves. Although Chris Barlas managed to score for Ottawa late in the game, it wasn't enough to mask the Bulldogs’ control throughout the match.
For Lardis, this season has been nothing short of historic. He has recorded a staggering 103 points, making it his best offensive season yet. This achievement places him second overall in the OHL, showcasing the incredible skill and talent he possesses. Lardis has gained recognition for being among the most prolific goal scorers, becoming the eighth OHL player since 2000 to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 games earlier this February.
The 19-year-old Oakville, Ontario native's impressive stats reach beyond just his current goals. He has managed to record three or more goals in four separate games this month alone, reflecting his fiery offensive capability, and he still has nine games left this season to increase those numbers.
Historically speaking, Lardis's performance this season stands out due to the record he’s on track to break. The most goals ever scored by one player during an OHL season is held by Ernie Godden, who scored 87 times for the Windsor Spitfires back in the 1980-81 season. Given his current pace, Lardis has emerged as a serious contender to become the eighth player to hit the impressive 70-goal mark.
Adding to the excitement around Lardis is the anticipation for the Brantford Bulldogs' standing. The team entered the weekend only one point behind the Kingston Frontenacs for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. This competitive atmosphere not only fuels the players' performances but also raises the stakes for Lardis to continue delivering outstanding results.
The attention surrounding Lardis has undeniably reached the National Hockey League (NHL) level. Coach Anders Sorensen of the Chicago Blackhawks, who drafted Lardis as their third-round pick (67th overall) in 2023, expressed admiration for the young talent’s success. "It's impressive," Sorensen said, reflecting on Lardis's evolution as a player. "We saw him a little bit last year in (AHL) Rockford for a game. You could really see the potential and ceiling of his talent level, and it seems like he's really put it together this year."
Lardis’s consistent performance has certainly caught the eye of his NHL prospects, raising expectations for his future on the professional stage.
With the Bulldogs poised for potential playoff success and Lardis continuing to shine, fans have much to look forward to as the season advances. Every goal he scores leaves hockey enthusiasts eagerly watching, wondering just how far this talent can take him. The remarkable feat of his seventh hat trick is only one chapter of what is shaping up to be a legendary season.
So, keep your eyes peeled for Brantford Bulldogs games, and don’t miss the opportunity to witness the remarkable talent of Nick Lardis as he aims for OHL history.