Stephen Harper plays for the Bulldogs!

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You may or may not be voting for Stephen Harper in next month’s federal election, but the Hamilton Bulldogs are hoping that you’ll be cheering for him when their Ontario Hockey League season begins on Friday.

Stephen Harper will never forget the day he met…Stephen Harper. “That was pretty neat. He’s a nice guy, knows his hockey and I’ve gotten the jokes since coming out of minor midget.”

Broadcasters have referred to the 20 year-old Burlington native as the “prime minister on-ice”. And they do have something other than their love of hockey in common: they both want to be leaders.
And, that will be important on this very youthful Bulldogs’ squad. “There is some young guys, but it’s my job to go out and lead and perform at my best. And, if I do that, I think it will trickle down to the younger guys.”

Harper netted 16 goals and 20 assists last season, and Friday he’ll begin his fifth year in the OHL.

At the age of 16 he left his home to play for the Erie Otters, and was traded to Belleville mid-way through the 2013-14 season.

He’s now back enjoying the comforts of living at home, but this summer he adopted a much tougher training regimen. “I kind of focussed on training with guys in the NHL who are more established. I think that was huge for me, seeing what they do differently. Hopefully I can bring that to this junior team. Definitely switched up a few things and hopefully it brings me some success this year.”