Donovan sets new Bulldogs mark for career goals by a defenceman

Jorian Donovan etched his name into the Brantford Bulldogs franchise record book on Friday night, helping the Dogs defeat the visiting Barrie Colts 5-2 at the Civic Centre.

Donovan scored 2:56 into the second period, a goal that would stand up as the eventual game-winner as Brantford led 3-0 on the Richmond, Ont. native’s eighth goal of the season. Netting his 23rd career goal in a Bulldogs uniform, Donovan pulled ahead of Ben Gleason (2015-18) for first on the all-time list of Bulldogs blueliners.

Originally selected by the Hamilton Bulldogs with the sixth overall pick of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Donovan has developed into a well-rounded defender, being selected by the Ottawa Senators in the fifth round (136th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-2, 195Ib. left-shot defender has put up 23 goals, 69 assists and 92 points over 149 regular season games. He helped Hamilton hoist the J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2022.

Donovan, whose father Shean played 951 career regular season games in the NHL following an OHL career with the Ottawa 67’s, recently returned from Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp.

Donovan has 25 points (8-17–25) over 30 games this season. He and his Bulldogs teammates visit the Kingston Frontenacs on Sunday afternoon in their final game before the holiday break.

Jorian Donovan with a record-breaking snipe! 👏

The @Senators prospect's 23rd goal is the most by a @BulldogsOHL defenceman in the history of the franchise 🎥 pic.twitter.com/uPbi1V5uXJ

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) December 16, 2023