The Brantford Bulldogs opened their four-game road trip with a hard-fought 4-2 comeback win over the Flint Firebirds at the Dort Financial Centre on Friday night. Competing in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) as part of the Eastern Conference’s East Division, the Bulldogs overcame a two-goal deficit to secure the victory.
Nathan Day was the difference early, stopping 15 shots in the first period, including a spectacular scorpion save on Tommy Budnick. Flint capitalized late in the period when Christopher Thibodeau’s quick shot found its way past Ryerson Leenders for a 1-0 lead at intermission.
The Firebirds doubled their lead at 2:15 of the second period, as Artem Frolov finished off a slick passing play from Thibodeau and Matthew Wang. Brantford pressed but was repeatedly denied by Day and the Firebirds’ defense. The breakthrough finally came at 18:47 when Cole Brown set up Nick Lardis, who buried his 67th goal of the season to cut the deficit to 2-1.
The Bulldogs carried the momentum into the final frame. At 11:29, Lucas Moore fired home his fourth goal of the season, assisted by Patrick Thomas, who tied the franchise record for career points with 248. Just over two minutes later, Lardis struck again with a laser from the left circle, his 68th of the season, to put Brantford ahead. Ryerson Leenders held firm in net, stopping all 12 third-period shots, and Marek Vanacker sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 19:19.
Brantford continues its road trip Saturday night against the Saginaw Spirit at the Dow Federal Events Centre.
