Guelph Storm Bolsters Offense with Key Trades Ahead of OHL Playoffs
In a strategic move to enhance their offensive lineup before the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) trade deadline, the Guelph Storm announced the acquisition of two 19-year-old forwards in separate trades. These transactions underscore the team's commitment to securing immediate success as they gear up for a strong playoff presence.
Acquiring Brody Crane from Niagara Ice Dogs
The Guelph Storm has successfully traded for forward Brody Crane, previously of the Niagara Ice Dogs. In exchange for Crane's services, the Ice Dogs will receive a sixth-round selection in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection draft. Crane, who was originally selected by the London Knights in the fourth round of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, brings a modest but promising record to the Storm. This season, he has tallied three goals and contributed six assists, showcasing his potential to be a valuable asset to the Storm's offensive push.
Zander Veccia Joins from Mississauga Steelheads
In another significant move, the Storm secured the talents of Zander Veccia from the Mississauga Steelheads. Veccia's performance this season has been noteworthy, with eight goals and 21 assists to his name. The trade did not come cheaply for the Storm, as it involved sending several future draft picks to the Steelheads, including a coveted second-round pick in the 2026 draft. Veccia's arrival is expected to inject dynamism into the Storm's attack, providing them with additional scoring power and playmaking abilities.
Departure of Juston DeZoete
To balance the roster and perhaps manage assets, the Storm parted ways with Juston DeZoete, trading him to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. As compensation for DeZoete, who recorded two assists in 22 games for the Storm, the team received a 10th-round pick in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. While DeZoete's contribution to the Storm has been appreciated, the trade reflects the team's focus on optimizing their line-up for an imminent playoff run.
Anticipated Debuts Against the Greyhounds
Fans of the Guelph Storm can look forward to witnessing the debut of both Crane and Veccia when they face off against the Greyhounds. This matchup will provide an early indication of how well the new additions integrate with the team and contribute to its strategies on ice.
Playoff Preparations and Strategic Focus
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Guelph Storm is leaving nothing to chance. The acquisition of Crane and Veccia is a clear demonstration of the organization's desire to strengthen their offense, which could prove crucial in the high-stakes environment of postseason play. By trading away future draft picks, the Storm has signaled a win-now mentality, suggesting that the team is willing to leverage long-term assets for the chance to compete at the highest level in the immediate future.
Management's Confidence in New Players
The Storm's management has expressed confidence in their new players. Coach Burnett praised Zander Veccia's consistent improvement throughout his OHL career. "He has the ability to have an impact in all areas of our team’s game," said Burnett, highlighting Veccia's versatility on the ice. Furthermore, Burnett commended Veccia's strong skating skills, good technique, and valuable playoff experience, which he believes will be instrumental in guiding the Storm's younger players through the challenges of playoff hockey.
In conclusion, the Guelph Storm's recent trades are a bold statement of intent. By bringing in Brody Crane and Zander Veccia, the team has made a calculated decision to boost their offensive capabilities. At the same time, parting with Juston DeZoete and several future draft picks indicates a clear prioritization of short-term gains over long-term prospects. As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on the Storm to see if these moves pay dividends when it matters most — during the pursuit of the OHL championship.