Bulldogs shut out Colts to take playoff series lead

Jett Luchanko celebrates after scoring a goal in Game 3 of the OHL Eastern Conference Final in Barrie, Ont., on Sun., April 26, 2026. (Source: Brantford Bulldogs/X)

The Brantford Bulldogs have taken a 2-1 lead in the OHL’s eastern conference finals.

On Sunday, they won Game 3 of their best-of-seven series against the Barrie Colts with a final score of 2-0.

The Bulldogs thought they scored just 15 seconds into the first period, but it was called back following a video review that determined the play was offside.

Brantford outshot Barrie, creating several scoring opportunities, but Colts’ goaltender Ben Hrebik kept the game scoreless. At the other end, Bulldogs goalie Ryerson Leenders stopped a total of 11 shots in the opening frame.

The Bulldogs broke through midway in the second period and successfully killed off a late four-on-three power play to maintain Brantford’s lead heading into the third.

Leenders stopped eight shots in the final period and Gabriel Frasca sealed the win with an empty-net goal late in the game.

It was Leenders’ second career playoff shutout.

Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night at Sadlon Arena.