Extreme makeover: Bulldog edition TERI PECOSKIE

Meet the new and improved Hamilton Bulldogs.

The team made several key additions in the days leading up to Wednesday’s Ontario Hockey League trade deadline, including National Hockey League first-rounder Robert Thomas and massive defender Nicolas Mattinen.

Building a contender, however, came at a steep cost. When the Bulldogs hit the ice against the London Knights Friday, it will be without Reilly Webb, Riley McCourt and Connor McMichael — three young players that helped elevate the team to the top of the Eastern Conference — along with numerous future draft picks.

“Any team that looks to make a push the way we have is going to have some holes to fill moving forward,” said GM Steve Staios.

The Bulldogs made their last significant move about two hours before the noon cut-off, shipping Webb to Saginaw. Staios said he wasn’t looking to trade the 18year-old rearguard, but he deserved the opportunity and, “at the end of the day, it was the right thing to do.”

A Stoney Creek native, Webb was sidelined with injuries for most of the past two seasons and had been in and out of the lineup even before the Mattinen deal.

“Reilly is a really good, young prospect that needs to play and a Detroit draft pick,” Staios added. “I thought the fit was good and we have enough depth here that we would be fine, as well.

For Webb, more ice time is only one upside. He will also be closer to the Red Wings brass in Saginaw, including senior vice-president and alternate governor Jim Devellano, who is a partner in the Spirit ownership group.

Chris Osgood, who helped backstop Detroit to three Stanley Cup wins, has a stake in the OHL club, as well.

But that’s enough about who the Bulldogs have lost. The players gained — a group that also includes previous acquisitions Nick Caamano, Ryan Moore, Kade Landry and Riley Stillman — make them stronger, faster and more experienced, at least on paper.

“Nothing but excitement,” said captain Justin Lemcke. “Obviously we picked up some talent.”

“I think we’ve made it better in every way,” Staios added.

In addition to Thomas and Mattinen, the Bulldogs also snagged Jake Gravelle from Mississauga before the deadline. The 17-yearold blue liner isn’t expected to join the team immediately — instead, he’ll continue to play for the Steelheads’ Jr. A affiliate Mississauga Chargers, where he has two goals and seven assists in 18 games this season.