OHL Trade Deadline Moves by Guelph Storm
In a strategic push for playoff success, the Guelph Storm have made significant moves at the OHL trade deadline. The team has bolstered its offensive lineup with the acquisition of two 19-year-old forwards, aiming to enhance their chances in the upcoming playoffs.
Acquiring Offensive Talent
The Storm's first move was securing Brody Crane from the Niagara Ice Dogs. Crane, who began his OHL career as a fourth-round pick by the London Knights in 2020, has proven himself as a valuable player this season. With three goals and six assists to his name, Crane brings a combination of skill and potential to the Storm's forward group. In exchange for his services, the Ice Dogs will receive a sixth-round selection in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection.
In another key transaction, the Storm added Zander Veccia to their roster. Veccia, previously with the Mississauga Steelheads, has had an impressive season scoring eight goals and contributing 21 assists. His offensive output is a testament to his steady progression throughout his time in the league. The cost for acquiring such talent was substantial; the Storm parted with several future draft picks, including a coveted second-round pick in 2026. This move underscores the organization’s commitment to immediate success and a deep playoff run.
Trading Away Future Prospects
To balance these acquisitions, the Storm traded Juston DeZoete to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. While DeZoete's contribution to the Storm included two assists over 22 games, the decision to trade him was influenced by the need to streamline the team for a playoff push. In return, the Storm received a 10th-round pick in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, adding to their future draft assets.
Immediate Impact Expected
The integration of Crane and Veccia into the Storm's lineup is anticipated to be swift, with both players expected to make their debut against none other than the Greyhounds—the very team DeZoete now calls home. This matchup will provide an early indication of how well the new additions will mesh with the existing squad and whether the trades will pay dividends as the team prepares for the postseason.
The rationale behind these trades is clear: the Guelph Storm are gearing up for a strong playoff performance. By trading away future draft picks, the team has signaled a shift in focus towards capitalizing on the current season's opportunities rather than a long-term rebuild.
Management's Confidence in New Additions
Burnett, presumably a member of the Storm's management or coaching staff, expressed confidence in the latest acquisitions. Speaking on Veccia's impact, Burnett stated, "Zander has made steady progression throughout his OHL career." He continued, praising Veccia's versatility and influence on the ice: "He has the ability to have an impact in all areas of our team’s game." Furthermore, Burnett highlighted the importance of Veccia's experience and physical attributes, remarking, "He is a strong skater with good skill and has valuable playoff experience to help our group moving forward."
These endorsements not only reflect the organization's belief in the talents of their new players but also underline the intent to leverage their abilities for a deep playoff push. The Storm's actions at the trade deadline suggest that they are not merely looking to participate in the playoffs but are positioning themselves as formidable contenders.
Conclusion
With the deadline deals complete, the Guelph Storm have sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they are serious about making an impact this postseason. By acquiring Crane and Veccia, the team has added depth and skill to their offense, while the trade involving DeZoete has allowed them to recoup some future considerations. As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on the Storm to see if their calculated gambit pays off when it matters most—on the road to the OHL championship.