Bryant surprised by trade; He named captain (updated)

The Niagara IceDogs dealt captain Gavin Bryant to the Peterborough Petes for two draft picks. Photo: OHL IMAGES.

The Niagara IceDogs solved their overage logjam, dealing captain Gavin Bryant to the Peterborough Petes Tuesday.

The IceDogs will receive a third-round selection in 2026 (Guelph) and a ninth-round pick in 2028 (Peterborough) in exchange for Bryant, who was one of four overage players on the roster along with Owen Flores, Andrei Loshko and Noah Van Vliet.

Teams can only dress three overagers per game and must not have more than three on the roster following the trade deadline in January.

Bryant admitted he was caught off guard by the transaction.

“I think it was a surprise for sure,” he said. “The biggest thing for me through these last few months has been communication and respect. And I was definitely caught for a loop on that one yesterday. You expect everything and anything in circumstances like this, but it definitely shocked me for sure. It definitely disappointed me in the end, but I have nothing but thanks to Niagara and the fans, my teammates, and the immediate staff there. They were great to me right from day one and I’m going to remember all the good times playing at the Meridian.

“It sucks for sure, but I’m excited for the new opportunity I’m about to get in Peterborough.”

Originally drafted 37th overall by the Owen Sound Attack in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Bryant was acquired by the IceDogs before the start of last season where he accumulated 21 goals, 33 assists and was named captain following the trade of Zakary Lavoie.

“Gavin is a great fit for our group,” Petes general manager and vice president of operations Michael Oke said on the team’s website. “He has been a leader on every team that he’s played for in this league. We know that he’ll be a big influence to our team both on and off the ice.”

Bryant had surgery on both shoulders in the off season but has been cleared to get back on the ice this week.

Taking over as captain will be Kevin He, with Jack Brauti named as an assistant captain.

“Kevin is the future of our franchise right now. He is our first NHL draft pick in six years and signalizes that we are on the upswing as he is going to lead the next core group of our culture,” IceDogs coach Ben Boudreau said. “Kevin sets the standard of the culture of our group moving forward.”

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