The top-seeded Bradford Rattlers made quick work of the fifth-seeded Knights of Meaford in their North Division Semi-Final series, completing a dominant three-game sweep to advance to the North Division Final. The Rattlers displayed their offensive firepower and defensive prowess throughout the series, outscoring Meaford 22-4 across the three games.

Game 1: Bradford Sets the Tone

Bradford 3 - Meaford 1 (February 26, 2025, BWG Leisure Centre)

The series opened with a hard-fought contest in Bradford, as the Rattlers took a 3-1 victory over Meaford. The game remained scoreless through the first period, with both teams testing the waters. However, it was Bradford that broke through early in the second, as Artyom Borisov capitalized just 46 seconds in to give the home team the lead. Oliver Lindqvist and Isac Karlsson later added insurance goals, with Karlsson’s coming on the power play.

Meaford’s lone tally came on the man advantage, as Maximilian Enge-Kristiansen found the back of the net midway through the second period, but they were unable to solve Bradford netminder Nikita Radchenko the rest of the way. Radchenko stood tall, stopping 29 of 30 shots for a stellar .967 save percentage.

Three Stars: 1) Nikita Radchenko (BRAD) - 29 saves, .967 SV% 2) Oliver Lindqvist (BRAD) - 1G, 1A 3) Isac Karlsson (BRAD) - 1G, 1A

Game 2: Rattlers’ Offense Explodes in Meaford

Bradford 9 - Meaford 3 (February 27, 2025, Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre)

Game 2 saw Bradford’s offense erupt, as the Rattlers fired an overwhelming 65 shots on goal en route to a 9-3 win on the road. Isac Karlsson continued to be a force, recording a goal and three assists, while former captain Arvid Malm contributed a goal and an assist.

Despite the lopsided score, Meaford showed some resilience, with veteran forward Etienne Gilbert netting a hat trick to keep his team in the fight. However, Bradford’s relentless attack proved too much, as they scored five unanswered goals in the second period, effectively sealing the victory before the final frame even began.

Meaford goaltender Karim Agzamov started the game but was pulled after allowing four goals on 35 shots. Yaroslav Chebanu took over in relief, but the onslaught continued as he surrendered four more goals.

Three Stars: 1) Isac Karlsson (BRAD) - 1G, 3A 2) Etienne Gilbert (MEA) - 3G 3) Arvid Malm (BRAD) - 1G, 1A

Game 3: Rattlers Close the Series with Authority

Bradford 10 - Meaford 0 (March 2, 2025, BWG Leisure Centre)

With the opportunity to close out the series on home ice, Bradford left no doubt, dismantling Meaford 10-0 to complete the sweep. The Rattlers’ depth was on full display, as seven different players recorded goals, including a hat trick from Isac Karlsson and a three-point night from Anrijs Bundzenieks.

Bradford jumped out to a commanding 6-0 lead after the first period and never looked back. Their power play continued to be lethal, while the penalty kill held strong, even netting a shorthanded goal from Stian Laasby.

Goaltender Nikita Radchenko capped off an outstanding series with a 28-save shutout, ensuring that Meaford had no hope of extending their season.

Three Stars: 1) Isac Karlsson (BRAD) - 3G, 1A 2) Nikita Radchenko (BRAD) - 28-save shutout 3) Anrijs Bundzenieks (BRAD) - 1G, 2A

Goaltending Battle

Nikita Radchenko was a brick wall for Bradford throughout the series, allowing just one goal in two starts and capping things off with a shutout in Game 3. His calm presence in net gave the Rattlers the confidence to play their aggressive offensive game, knowing they had a dependable last line of defense.

On the other side, Meaford’s goaltending struggled to keep up with the relentless Bradford attack. Karim Agzamov, Yaroslav Chebanu and Shane Brannick all saw action, but none could slow down the high-powered Rattlers, who fired an astonishing 147 shots on goal over the three games.

Key Performances

• Isac Karlsson (BRAD): 5G, 5A – A dominant series from the Swedish forward, who was a threat every time he stepped on the ice.
• Anrijs Bundzenieks (BRAD): 2G, 4A – A steady offensive presence throughout the series.
• Nikita Radchenko (BRAD): 3 wins, 1 shutout – Nearly perfect in goal, giving up just four goals across three starts.
• Etienne Gilbert (MEA): 3G – The lone bright spot for Meaford’s offense, scoring all three of their goals in Game 2.

Implications and What’s Next

The Rattlers’ dominant performance reaffirms their status as the team to beat in the North Division. Their offense was firing on all cylinders, their special teams were highly effective, and their goaltending was rock solid. Bradford will now turn their attention to the North Division Final, where they will look to continue their march toward a third straight GMHL championship.

For Meaford, the season comes to an end in disappointing fashion, but they can take solace in a hard-fought Game 1 and an individual standout performance from Etienne Gilbert. With the offseason ahead, they will need to regroup and make adjustments to challenge the league’s elite next year.

Bradford now get going against the #2 seed Wasaga River Dragons in the North Finals, eager to keep their playoff momentum rolling. A full series preview will be coming soon for the Rattlers vs. the River Dragons.