A Phenomenal Season for Nick Lardis
Nick Lardis, a standout winger for the Brantford Bulldogs and a promising prospect for the Chicago Blackhawks, has been making waves in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) this season. Last week, he etched his name in the annals of OHL history by scoring his 50th goal in just his 49th game, a feat achieved by only seven other players. Hailing from Oakville, Ontario, Lardis has always had a knack for goal-scoring, but this season has been nothing short of a breakout campaign. His recent performance, which saw him score his 52nd goal of the year, surpassed the Bulldogs’ previous single-season goal record set by Arthur Kaliyev in 2018-2019. Lardis’ remarkable achievements have not only earned him a place among the league’s elite but have also solidified his reputation as a lethal scorer.
The Road to NHL Stardom
Drafted 67th overall in the third round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, Lardis has already signed his entry-level contract with the team, effective April 4, 2024. Growing up in Toronto, he was an avid fan of the Maple Leafs, but he also had a special admiration for the Blackhawks during the Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane era. "My favorite player growing up was Patrick Kane," Lardis shared. "Seeing how dynamic he was there, he was a guy that I really admired and tried to learn from as a kid." As he progressed in his hockey career, he found inspiration in players like Kyle Connor, Clayton Keller, and Tim Stutzle, whom he believes share a similar playing style. Despite his average size, Lardis’ exceptional skating and elite shot have set him apart, making him a formidable presence on the ice.
The Work Ethic Behind the Wizardry
Lardis’ success on the ice is a testament to his relentless work ethic. He grew up with a shooting garage, where he would spend countless hours practicing his shot, whether it was before practice, after practice, or even before school. This dedication was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he used the extra time to fine-tune his skills. "Over the past couple of years, I’ve put a big emphasis on working on my quick release," he explained, crediting his shooting coaches, Josh Wrobel and Mike Crampton, for their invaluable guidance. His recent four-goal performance against Sudbury is a prime example of his honed technique. The goals, a combination of quick snap shots and a powerful one-timer, highlight the high level of skill and precision he has developed. Lardis’ ability to hide his release point and place shots above the pad, a tactic often seen in the NHL, underscores his advanced understanding of the game.
On the Powerplay: A Deadly Threat
Nick Lardis has been particularly lethal on the powerplay this season. He leads the OHL in both game-winning goals and powerplay tallies, with nine and 18, respectively. One of his signature moves is operating from the right-side faceoff circle, where he can unleash a devastating one-timer. "I’ve worked on my one-timer a lot as well over the past couple of years," he said. "It’s an important skill set of mine to make sure I’m capitalizing on my chances on the powerplay." His first goal of the season, a clean one-timer on the powerplay, exemplifies his technique and weight transfer, both crucial elements of his powerful shot. Lardis’ intelligent shot placement and ability to adjust his release angle to get past defenders make him a constant threat, no matter the situation on the ice.
Preparing for the Next Level
With an NHL contract in place, Lardis is gearing up for the professional ranks. While he is expected to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) next season, he is not taking the transition lightly. "A big goal of mine is to play at the pro level next year," he stated. "In the summer, I’ll be focused on improving my strength and getting better in the areas I need to improve on." Lardis recognizes that the jump from junior to professional hockey is one of the most challenging transitions a player can make. He plans to spend significant time in the gym to build the necessary strength and endurance to thrive in the more physical and fast-paced environment of the AHL. His dedication to continuous improvement and his understanding of the demands of professional hockey show a maturity and foresight beyond his years.
Brantford Bulldogs: Underdogs with Swagger
Despite the Bulldogs flying a bit under the radar in the OHL’s Eastern Conference, Lardis is confident that his team can compete with the best. "I believe we can do a lot of damage. We have a playoff team that’s built for the playoffs, I truly believe that," he said. The Bulldogs are currently in a tight race for first place in the East, with a recent record of 8-1-1 and points in six straight games. Lardis enjoys the underdog status, which has become a source of motivation for the team. "We like being the underdogs. A lot of teams bought at the trade deadline and we didn’t do as much, but the biggest thing for us is playing with lots of confidence and playing with that Bulldogs swagger," he added. The team’s strong performance and Lardis’ exceptional goal-scoring have positioned the Bulldogs as a dark horse contender in the playoffs, a testament to their resilience and teamwork.
The Future Looks Bright
As the season progresses, the question of whether Nick Lardis can hit the 60-goal mark looms large. With 16 games left on the schedule, scoring eight more goals seems within reach for the Chicago prospect. However, Lardis maintains a balanced perspective, focusing on his team’s success above personal milestones. "If I continue to focus on the details of the game and improving every night, hopefully, the opportunity to score goals will come naturally," he said with a laugh. Lardis’ combination of natural talent, hard work, and team-first mentality has made him a standout player in the OHL. The sky is the limit for both the Brantford Bulldogs and Nick Lardis, and hockey fans should be excited to see what the future holds for this young sniper.
