Jake O’Brien sets Bulldogs rookie points mark
A pair of quick first period goals in St, Catharines on Sunday afternoon saw Jake O’Brien make Brantford Bulldogs history. The 16-year-old scored his 10th and 11th goals of the season in the 5-1 win to give him 50 points, two more than Arthur Kaliyev‘s previously held 2017-18 record of 48 by a Bulldogs rookie.
The eighth overall pick of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, O’Brien, who was also last year’s OHL Cup MVP for the champion Toronto Jr. Canadiens, is the OHL’s lone rookie with more than a point-per-game in 2023-24. He’s emerged as one of Brantford’s most consistent forwards, helping the Bulldogs become one of just two Eastern Conference teams with at least 30 wins on the season.
O’Brien was previously named the OHL’s Rookie of the Month for December, before picking up East Division OHL Academic Player of the Month recognition in January. The Toronto, Ont. native will be eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Jake O'Brien makes history! 👏
With a pair of goals in the opening frame, the first-year forward breaks Arthur Kaliyev's record (48) for most points by a Bulldogs rookie in a single-season 📽️ @BulldogsOHL | #2025NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/kZsn1sNbNq
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 18, 2024