Training Camp spotlight - Brad BonelloBrad Bonello wants to be a Texas Brahma. So far, he's had a good training camp and has shown that his experience and work ethic may just earn him a spot on the roster. At 5' 10" and 180 pounds, the Brampton, Ontario native has a hard-nosed style of play and a penchant for agitation that has caught the attention of his opponents over the years. His offensive skills and his versatility at position have translated to good numbers in his career.
Bonello played for the Wellington Dukes (OPJHL) in 2000-01 and scored 40 points (14 G, 26 A)with 99 penalty minutes in 44 games played.
The next three seasons were spent with the Erie Otters (OHL) where he tallied 101 points (43 G, 58 A) and 289 penalty minutes in 147 games played. In the 2001-02 season, the Otters became only the second OHL team based in the United States to win the OHL Championship. Bonello added three goals during the playoffs to contribute to that victory.
Bonello played for for the Peterborough Petes in the second half of the 2003-04 season and notched 24 points (9 G, 15 A) in 37 games played. His standount season in the OHL came the following year with the Ottawa 67's. Bonello racked an impressive 66 points (26 G, 40 A) and 120 penalty minutes in 58 points played during the regular season. The 67's finished 6th place in the Eastern Conference but managed an impressive playoff run. The 67's qualified for the 2005 Memorial Cup but lost to Rimouski Océanic (featuring Sidney Crosby) 7-4 in the semi-final game. Bonello accounted for 17 points (8 G, 9 A) and 50 penalty minutes in 21 post-season contests.
Bonello played eight games with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) and split the rest of the 2005-06 season with the Toledo Storm and the Greenville Grrrowl (ECHL). He scored 48 points (19 G, 29 A) in 53 games played. In the 2006-07 season, Bonello split the beginning of the season with the Port Huron Flags and the Bloomington Prairie Thunder (UHL). He totalled five points (2 G, 3 A) in just 15 games played before moving to the ECHL.
For the remainder of the 2006-07 season, Bonello played for the Long Beach Ice Dogs (with Brett Jaeger). He scored 34 points (16G, 18 A) and accumulated 63 penalty minutes in 53 games played. Last season was spent with the Dayton Bombers where Bonello tallied 42 points (19 G, 23 A) and 89 penalty minutes in 67 games played. He also scored a goal in the playoffs where the Bombers were shut out in a best-of-three series to the Johnstown Chiefs.
At 24 and entering his fourth season as a professional, Bonello told me that he would like to play for the Brahmas this season. While he may lack the ideal size that teams look for, he more than makes up with his spirit and determination. He's a proven goal scorer and he knows what it takes, what you have to do, and the sacrifices you have to make to contribute to a championship caliber team.
Photo Credit: Ann N. (lb_ice_dogs_fan)
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