Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford suspended two games by OHL for check from behind

Brantford Bulldogs defenceman Ben Danford has been suspended for two games as a result of a check from behind against the Sudbury Wolves, the Ontario Hockey League announced Monday.

Danford delivered a hit from behind on Sudbury Wolves forward Rowan Henderson during Game 2 of their quarterfinal playoff series. As a result, Danford received a five-minute major and game misconduct. Due to the suspension, Danford will not be active for Game 3 and 4, which take place on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.

Brantford holds a 2-0 series lead, and is a leading candidate to win this year’s Memorial Cup, finishing first during the OHL regular season with 106 points. Danford is one of several NHL prospects on the Bulldogs, who should be heavily favoured to win the OHL title.

Danford, selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, is the organization’s top prospect. He was traded to Brantford from the Oshawa Generals in October. Danford is known for his punishing physical play, especially in the open ice, while operating as a sound defensive presence. He recorded two goals and 16 points in 37 games for Brantford, following the trade. Danford also recorded one assist for Canada in seven games at the 2026 World Juniors, winning bronze. Danford was also recently named in the OHL coaches’ poll as the Eastern Conference’s best shot-blocker and top penalty-killer.

Last summer, Danford told reporters that he’s aiming to model his game after Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev.

“I’ve already got to see him this summer,” Danford said. “He’s been phenomenal, I’ve looked up to him for quite a few years now,” Danford said. “I feel like that’s someone that I can really learn off of, and someone that hopefully I am even close to what he is in the NHL someday. He’s just that rock solid D-man that can contribute offence as well.”