The Brantford Bulldogs are here to stay.
During a media conference on Wednesday, the team’s new owners joined the mayor of Brantford to announce they have inked a long-term deal.
“We are very pleased to announce today that we do have a memorandum of understanding with the Bulldogs organization negotiated originally with Michael and finally with the Hymans that secures the Brantford Bulldogs’ future here in Brantford as the anchor tenant in our proposed sports and entertainment centre with an initial term of 15 years, plus five 5-year renewal terms for a total of 40 years here in Brantford,” Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis said.
Davis then pulled on a black and gold Brantford Bulldogs jersey and signed the official document.
The announcement comes just days after news came out that the Ontario Hockey League’s Board of Directors approved the sale of the team to a group led by NHL star Zach Hyman.
The new ownership team includes Zach’s father, Stuart, and his brother, Spencer.
Despite the exuberant air, it was clearly a bittersweet moment for one member of the conference.
Former Bulldogs owner, Michael Andlauer, took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the city, the players and the community.
“I turned 60 on Christmas day and it finally dawned on me that I have 24 hours in a day, just like all of you. This is a tough decision. I can only be in one place at one time and the irony is I cut my teeth in hockey with the Bulldogs,” Andlauer said.
Andlauer also owns the Ottawa Senators and Belleville Senators. He has owned the Brantford Bulldogs for the last decade and was part of the team as they moved from Hamilton to Brantford in 2023.
“I understand that my new priorities have made me a little bit of an absentee owner and people who know me know when I put my heart into something it’s either 100 per cent or I feel like I’ve failed. It wasn’t fair for the city for me to be an absentee owner and not there as much for our players. Interestingly enough, I never had any desire to sell something that was near and dear – a part of me. I met the Hyman family late last summer, and their desires of being in the OHL. After several meetings, I realized that they had the same passion for the game of hockey that I did. Maybe even more so,” Andlauer added.
He wrapped up his address with a simple statement that resonated through the room.
“I always say once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog. I will always, always be a Bulldog. Congratulations gentlemen. Take good care of my Bulldogs.”
New owners look for bright future
As the new owners took a chance to address the crowd, they repeatedly thanked Andlauer for all he had done to raise the profile of the team.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we’ll give everything to Brantford to carry on your legacy and do everything we can for the kids and the community,” Stuart Hyman said.
“Michael, you gave us the opportunity to do good here and genuinely, we can’t thank you enough for trusting our family to lead the Bulldogs into the future,” Spencer Hyman added.
“Family. Community. Charity. Those are the values we look to instill and continue that Michael has left behind with us,” Spencer said.
Appearing via Zoom, Edmonton Oiler winger, and now Bulldogs owner, Zach Hyman also said Michael has served as an inspiration for him.
“I hope that we’re able to continue your legacy here in Brantford with only great things,” he said.
Zach said he hopes to visit the Telephone City in a few weeks.
“To the people of Brantford, I can’t wait to be embedded in the community. I can’t wait to help and continue the great charitable work Michael has been doing in the community and continue to grow our fanbase and continue to help our players in all aspects of life.”
Hockey runs in the Hyman family. Not only is Zach Hyman in the NHL, but his father Stuart is the chairman of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s board of governors and the owner of the Markham Royals.
Stuart has owned a junior team since 1999, starting with the Georgetown Raiders, then the Hamilton Red Wings and now Markham. His sons have either played for, coached or managed one of his teams. Spencer played junior hockey and spent his life shadowing Stuart, saying it’s these experiences that they will bring to Brantford.
“Dream come true,” Spencer Hyman said.
Bulldogs in Brantford
Since moving to Brantford, the team has averaged over 3,000 fans per game, which is more than the amount of seats in the Civic Centre.
“It may be the smallest arena but it’s the loudest arena for sure,” Andlauer said.
Davis, a big Bulldogs fan himself, said the energy the team has brought to Brantford and some future high draft picks have him excited for years to come.
“Go Dogs Go,” Davis said.
