Guelph Storm Bolsters Offense with Strategic Trades Ahead of Playoffs
In a decisive move to enhance their offensive lineup before the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) trade deadline, the Guelph Storm has successfully acquired two promising 19-year-old forwards. These trades are a clear signal that the Storm is pushing for a strong playoff performance this season.
Acquiring Brody Crane from Niagara Ice Dogs
The Guelph Storm has welcomed forward Brody Crane into their ranks through a trade with the Niagara Ice Dogs. In exchange for Crane's services, the Ice Dogs will receive a sixth-round pick in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. Crane, who was originally selected by the London Knights in the fourth round of the 2020 draft, brings a modest but valuable contribution to the team's scoring depth. With three goals and six assists this season, his potential to contribute more significantly is evident as he joins the Storm.
Zander Veccia's Arrival from Mississauga Steelheads
Further strengthening their offense, the Storm secured Zander Veccia from the Mississauga Steelheads. Veccia's impressive track record this season includes eight goals and 21 assists, showcasing his ability to both score and create opportunities for his teammates. The trade did not come cheap for the Storm; they parted with several future draft picks, including a notable second-round pick in 2026. This investment underscores the team's commitment to immediate success and indicates a strategy focused on capitalizing on the current roster's potential.
Juston DeZoete Departs to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
While the Storm fortified their front lines, they also made a strategic decision to trade Juston DeZoete to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. The return for DeZoete is a 10th-round pick in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. DeZoete contributed two assists over 22 games for the Storm, and the team will be looking to their new acquisitions to fill the gap and amplify their offensive capabilities.
Anticipated Debuts Against the Greyhounds
The newly acquired duo, Crane and Veccia, are slated to make their debut for the Storm in an upcoming game against the Greyhounds. This matchup will be an early test of the team's reinforced offense and provide a glimpse into how the players integrate into the Storm's systems and strategies.
Playoff Preparations
With the postseason approaching, the Guelph Storm is leaving nothing to chance. The addition of Crane and Veccia is a calculated effort to boost the team's offensive firepower. The organization's willingness to trade away future draft picks suggests a clear focus on achieving success in the near term, with the expectation that these players can make an immediate impact.
Management's Confidence in Veccia
The Storm's management has expressed confidence in their new acquisitions. Speaking about Veccia, Burnett praised the forward's continuous improvement throughout his OHL career. "Zander has made steady progression throughout his OHL career," said Burnett. He elaborated on Veccia's versatility, stating, "He has the ability to have an impact in all areas of our team’s game." Burnett also highlighted Veccia's attributes that would benefit the team, particularly in high-stakes games. "He is a strong skater with good skill and has valuable playoff experience to help our group moving forward," remarked Burnett.
These recent moves by the Guelph Storm indicate a deliberate and strategic approach to building a team capable of making a deep run in the playoffs. By trading for Crane and Veccia while offloading DeZoete, the Storm is banking on these young forwards to bring fresh energy and additional scoring to their lineup. The organization's decisions leading up to the trade deadline reflect a balance between immediate competitive needs and long-term planning, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the OHL season.