OHL Brantford Bulldogs

Celebrating 250 with Captain Lawson Sherk

March 19, 2024 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Brantford Bulldogs News Release


When the Brantford Bulldogs hit the ice at the legendary Memorial Gardens in North Bay on Thursday night March 14th, the night held much more significance than just an Eastern Conference battle as Bulldogs captain Lawson Sherk became just the 2nd Bulldog to play in 250 career games, joining only former captain Matt Strome in reaching the milestone.

A linchpin of the Bulldogs success from the moment he arrived, Sherk has become a beloved figure in Bulldogs history through his hard work, determination, and willingness to play any role to help his team succeed.

Originally the 40th overall selection in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection Draft out of the Halton Hill Hurricanes U16 AAA program, Sherk made an immediate impact recording his first OHL goal in his first OHL game on September 20th, 2019 in Sarnia. Finishing his rookie season playing in all 62 games the Bulldogs skated in with 5 goals and 10 assists, Sherk had already cemented himself as a key piece of the Bulldogs penalty kill and a trusted player in any situation.

In reflecting on 250 games as a Bulldog, Sherk looked back to his very beginnings in Black & Gold:

"(250 games) wasn't something that I focused on too much, it felt like just yesterday I was coming in at 16 years old just figuring this whole thing out of junior hockey and moving away from home and now here I am. Looking back on it now it feels incredible. I feel most fortunate that I was able to do it with one organization and play my whole career here. I have made so many relationships here that will last a lifetime.".

For Sherk and the rest of the Bulldogs, those memories were cemented during the 2021-22 season. Through the records being set, record attendances, outdoor game and so many other unforgettable moments, Sherk was right in the middle of the Bulldogs success. Skating in 63 of 68 games, Sherk showed off his offensive flair, scoring 12 goals and adding 23 assists but after the acquisition of Mason McTavish & return of friend and fellow 2019 draftee Ryan Winterton, Bulldogs head coach Jay McKee challenged Sherk to transition from worrying about the offensive side of the puck to helping take away the other team's top options. Sherk once again proved himself as willing to do anything for his team, centering a 4th line at times through the playoffs but also showed his ability to play any role, popping up to center scoring lines or wing with the likes of Mason McTavish & Ryan Winterton. Finishing a historic playoff run scoring a brilliant goal in Game 2 of the OHL Finals and hoisting the J. Ross Robertson Cup on home ice in front of friends and family, Sherk had climbed the mountain in just his 2nd OHL season.

The 2022-23 season was an emotional ride for all of the Bulldogs, having to say goodbye to familiar faces who helped lead the team to the 2022 OHL Championship and welcome a host of new young talent that would be poised to carry the Bulldogs into the future. Beginning the season as an assistant captain in a leadership group led by 2022 Playoff MVP Logan Morrison, Sherk would continue to take more and more of a leadership role as the season went one becoming the captain in all but letter after Morrison was traded at the deadline. Again, showing his incredible longevity through the season, Sherk re-set a career high skating in 65 games and posting a career high 13 goals to go along with 15 assists for 28 points, mainly centering two big pieces of the future of the Bulldogs in Cole Brown & Marek Vanacker while leading a resurgent Bulldogs 2nd half, pushing the favoured Barrie Colts to their limit in the opening round of the playoffs.

With the team moving to Brantford for the 2023-24 season, there was little question in who would lead the Bulldogs into the new era and on October 6th, 2023 it was made official as Lawson Sherk was named 7th captain in franchise history. Leading a Bulldogs team that has exceeded many pre-season expectations, Sherk has become part of an elite shutdown line alongside Ben Bujold & Adrian Rebelo, keeping the Bulldogs hovering at the top of the Eastern Conference. As Sherk crossed 250 games he reflected on the accomplishment of becoming just the 2nd Bulldog to accomplish the feat:

"It really means a lot to me. I think it had taught me about dedication and hard work. It is an accomplishment alone to be able to play one game in this league, so to be able to say that I made a half decent career out of it is something I am definitely proud of. Not only has it taught me a lot about the game but it has helped me with the transition in life to becoming an adult.".

"Half decent career" certainly stands as an understatement for the 2022 OHL Champion, pre-eminent defensive forward and 7th captain of the franchise but continuing as the ultimate team player, Sherk gives all the credit to the organization and his teammates:

"Throughout my time with the Bulldogs I have had the opportunity to be a part of some special experiences. I will start with the Championship. That year with the Bulldogs is one of the best of my life. I gained a team full of brothers and got to experience the best thing in hockey which is winning. That is a bond and experience that I will never forget. I look forward to striving to achieve that again this year. This year, being my last, being named captain was an honour. Being able to wear that letter for this organization, following in the footsteps of other amazing captains is an honour. Leading this group has been a lot of fun. I think we knew that people might have counted us out this year but we have proved a lot of people wrong and will strive to continue to do that heading into the playoffs.".

The Brantford Bulldogs are incredibly proud to have had Lawson grow up in Black & Gold from his 1st game as a rookie in 2019 to his 250th in 2024 and beyond. Lawson's accomplishments are outstanding and his commitment second to none. Congratulations on 250 Captain and keep on leading!

Check out the Brantford Bulldogs Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2024


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central