Steve Staios has taken his steady play on NHL bluelines to work as an OHL general manager.
And this year, he was recognized as the Ontario Hockey League’s general manager of the year. Now in his 6th year with the Hamilton Bulldogs, the star-studded club posted a 51-12-3-2 record capturing the East Divison championship.
“It is a great honour to receive this award in the name of the late Mr. Jim Gregory who mentored and influenced many people so positively in our great game of hockey,” said Staios in a statement. “Mr. Gregory set a high standard of leadership and it is a proud moment for me to accept this award on behalf of the entire Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Club.
“This is a team award,” Staios added. “It allows me to recognize our owner Michael Andlauer, players, coaches, scouts, front office staff and billet families for their tireless work, commitment and dedication that makes our Hamilton Bulldogs a best-in-class organization.”
The Bulldogs surrendered the league’s fewest goals (176) while scoring the second most (200). On top of that, they posted the best home record (27-4-1-2), the second-best power-play (27.6%), and the fifth-best penalty kill (80.9%).
Here are some more details about this year and the players the Bulldogs have brought in, courtesy of the OHL.
Hamilton’s roster benefitted from a pair of key mid-season acquisitions in Anaheim Ducks first-round pick Mason McTavish and overage Montreal Canadiens blue line signee Arber Xhekaj. Big minute defenders in captain Colton Kammerer and OHL Defenceman of the Year Nathan Staios were also past additions by Staios, while other core elements of the club were identified through the OHL Priority Selection. Former first round picks Logan Morrison and Ryan Winterton join other players developed within the organization such as goaltender Marco Costantini, forwards Avery Hayes, George Diaco, Ryan Humphrey and Lawson Sherk, Under-18 Priority Selection pick Gavin White on the back end and CHL Import Draft find Jan Mysak down the middle.
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.
