Guelph Storm Bolster Roster with Czech Talents
The Guelph Storm announced a blockbuster move on Tuesday, bringing in Czech defenceman Vladimir Dravecky and forward Adrien Bartovic from the Brantford Bulldogs. In exchange, the Bulldogs received five OHL Priority Selection picks, including the 31st overall selection, a second‑rounder from North Bay, Guelph’s 2028 third‑rounder, London’s 2028 fourth‑rounder, a 2029 fifth‑rounder and a conditional 12th‑rounder from Brampton.
Dravecky, a 50th‑overall pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, has already shown his offensive touch, posting nine goals and 19 assists for 28 points in 58 regular‑season games while maintaining a plus‑24 rating. He contributed three assists in 11 playoff contests as the Bulldogs reached the Eastern Conference Championship Series, and he helped Czechia to a silver medal at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The 2026 NHL Draft‑eligible blueliner is being heralded as an elite, puck‑moving defenceman who can quarterback the power play and anchor the blue line.
Bartovic, a 6‑foot‑1 forward from Pardubice, Czechia, was selected by Brantford in the first round of the same import draft. He exploded for 20 goals and 25 assists in 29 games with Bili Tygri Liberec’s U20 side, and added four points in 17 professional appearances for Vlci Zilina in Slovakia. General manager George Burnett said he expects to sign Bartovic to an OHL Standard Player Agreement and sees him as a key piece of the forward group.
Spencer Hyman, Brantford’s general manager, thanked Vlad for his contributions and noted the trade presents a tremendous opportunity for him in Guelph. He added that the deal also bolsters the Bulldogs’ draft capital, giving them an early second‑round pick in this week’s selection.
The Storm, who are preparing to host the 2027 Memorial Cup, view the acquisitions as a decisive step toward a championship‑contending roster. By adding two highly‑regarded Czech prospects and extra draft assets, Guelph hopes to maintain its momentum and give fans a compelling reason to cheer as the new season approaches.