Trade Deadline Moves by the Guelph Storm
The Guelph Storm, in a strategic move to bolster their roster, completed two significant trades prior to Wednesday's Ontario Hockey League (OHL) trade deadline. The team acquired a pair of 19-year-old forwards, each bringing unique skills and experience that are expected to contribute to the Storm’s on-ice performance as they gear up for the latter part of the season.
Acquiring Brody Crane from Niagara Ice Dogs
In their first transaction, the Storm secured forward Brody Crane from the Niagara Ice Dogs. In exchange for Crane's services, the Ice Dogs will receive a sixth-round selection in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. A former fourth-round pick by the London Knights in 2020, Crane has demonstrated his offensive capabilities this season, tallying three goals and adding six assists for a total of nine points. His addition is anticipated to add depth to the Storm's offensive lineup.
Zander Veccia Joins from Mississauga Steelheads
The second deal saw Zander Veccia join the ranks of the Storm from the Mississauga Steelheads. Veccia, also picked in the 2020 OHL draft but in the third round, has shown impressive progression throughout his OHL career. This season, he has managed to find the back of the net eight times and has contributed 21 assists, culminating in 29 points over 37 games. To secure Veccia, the Storm parted with several future draft picks, including a valuable second-round pick in the 2026 draft.
George Burnett, the coach of the Guelph Storm, praised the new acquisition, highlighting Veccia's steady development and his potential to influence the game in multiple facets. "Zander has made steady progression throughout his OHL career," said Burnett. "He has the ability to have an impact in all areas of our team’s game."
Juston DeZoete Traded to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
As part of the roster reconfiguration, the Storm also executed a trade involving Juston DeZoete, who will be joining the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. The Storm received a 10th-round pick in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection in return for DeZoete, who contributed two assists across 22 games for the Storm. While DeZoete's time with the Storm was modest in terms of point production, the trade provides him with an opportunity for a fresh start and potentially more ice time with the Greyhounds.
Immediate Impact Expected
Both Crane and Veccia are slated to make their debut for the Storm in an upcoming game on Friday, where they will face off against the Greyhounds. It will be an opportunity for both players to immediately demonstrate their value to the Storm and for fans to get a glimpse of the newly shaped team dynamic.
Burnett expressed optimism about Crane's addition to the team, citing his strong skating abilities and experience. "He is a strong skater with good skill and has valuable playoff experience to help our group moving forward," Burnett remarked. With the playoffs in sight, Crane's experience in high-stakes games could prove invaluable to the Storm's postseason ambitions.
Strategic Implications for the Storm
The moves made by the Guelph Storm at the trade deadline signal a clear intent to strengthen their squad for a deep run in the playoffs. By acquiring two forwards who have already proven themselves capable of contributing on the score sheet, the Storm has addressed potential gaps in their offense. The addition of Crane and Veccia not only injects talent into the lineup but also adds a layer of depth that can be crucial during the demanding playoff period.
While the departure of draft picks, especially a second-rounder, indicates a significant investment in the present, the Storm appears confident that the immediate contributions of their new forwards will outweigh the long-term cost of their draft capital. As the OHL season progresses, the impact of these trades will become clearer, particularly as the Storm integrates their new players into their system and pushes for a position in the playoffs.
The Guelph Storm's activity at the trade deadline exemplifies the delicate balance teams must strike between developing young talent and positioning themselves for immediate success. With the acquisition of Crane and Veccia, the Storm have signaled their commitment to making the most of the current season, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting finish to their campaign.