Eight grads of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association played a crucial role in the Hamilton Bulldogs’ OHL Championship victory over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Richmond Hill native Robert Thomas was named Most Valuable Player of the playoffs, earning the Wayne Gretzky ‘99’ Award. He led all Bulldogs skaters with 32 points and 20 assists. Thomas was acquired in a midseason deal and is the second player in franchise history to win the award.

Other grads on the Bulldogs include Jack Hanley, Justin Lemcke, Riley Stillman, Connor Walters, Owen Burnell, Nick Caamano and Brandon Saigeon.

The six-game series win is the city’s first OHL Championship since 1976. The Bulldogs now move on to the Memorial Cup in Regina which begins on Friday. The Memorial Cup is a four-team tournament comprised of the champions from the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League as well as the host city.