Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford isn't shy about getting physical, however it cost him a couple of games after he got involved in a line brawl with his OHL team.
When the Maple Leafs drafted Ben Danford in 2024, many thought that the 6'1, 188-pound defenseman wouldn't be initially as physical as some had hoped, relying more on positioning and hockey IQ than brute force.
But it hasn't stopped Danford from being physical, and in addition to throwing some hits; he isn't afraid about dropping the gloves either but this time, it cost him.
It was announced earlier in the week that Danford would be suspended two games for his involvement in a line brawl betwen the Oshawa Generals and the Brampton Steelheads, where projected top-five pick Porter Martone was also handed a suspension as well.
It was an automatic suspension for Danford and Martone as they broke the rules regarding the OHL's fighting and game misconduct regulations.
This means that Danford missed Oshawa's games against the Sudbury Wolves and the Soo Greyhounds; Oshawa was defeated 5-3 by Sudbury, meanwhile they took a 4-3 shootout victory over the Greyhounds.
Danford is now eligible to return to the team, with their next game being March 14 against the Ottawa 67's.
Danford is having a slower season for the Generals this year with only 23 points (5G, 18A) but is scoring a lot more though his assists are way down. He had 33 points last season (1G, 32A) though has increased his aggressiveness and physicality this year.
Danford was a part of the Maple Leafs training camp this past summer, but did not participate in the Prospect Showcase after suffering an injury.
He was selected 31st overall by the team in 2024.
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