January 14, 2025
MARKHAM, ON : NHLer Zach Hyman returned to his OJHL roots in 2019, dropping the puck and signing autographs before a game between the Markham Royals and Pickering Panthers at Markham Centennial Arena. His father, Stuart Hyman, is governor of the Royals. The Hyman family has purchased the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League. (Ray MacAloney / OJHL Images)
The Hymans, who have a long-term connection to the Ontario Junior Hockey League, will assume control of the organization’s operations, effective Jan. 16.
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has approved the transfer of ownership of the Brantford Bulldogs to a group led by National Hockey League player Zach Hyman and family, including brother Spencer and father Stuart.
The Hymans, who have a long-term connection to the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), will assume control of the organization’s operations, effective Jan. 16.
Hyman, who plays for the Edmonton Oilers and is in the midst of his 10th NHL season, ushers in a new era of Brantford Bulldogs hockey, purchasing the team from outgoing owner Michael Andlauer, who also serves as majority owner of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators and American Hockey League affiliate the Belleville Senators.
A media conference is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 15, in Brantford ahead of the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game.
“Hockey is more than just a game for my family,” said Zach Hyman. “It teaches our youth about the importance of teamwork and it brings together communities. I am humbled and greatly appreciate the faith Michael has placed in me to continue his incredible legacy with such a storied franchise. Thank you to the Ontario Hockey League for giving me this opportunity to give back to the game I love. It is a privilege to work with such an incredible group of people and I can’t wait to get started. Go Dogs!”
“Hockey is more than just a game for my family. It teaches our youth about the importance of teamwork and it brings together communities.
“The Brantford Bulldogs Hockey Club is an amazing organization, from the players, to the staff, to the most passionate fanbase in the OHL. My family and I are thrilled to officially be a part of the Bulldogs family and the Brantford community. To the city and residents of Brantford, we know what the Bulldogs mean to you and we take this privilege of being the new leaders of the Bulldogs to heart. Thank you to Michael for the opportunity to make this dream a reality and entrusting me to steward this remarkable franchise into the future.”
Hyman, who plays for the Edmonton Oilers and is in the midst of his 10th NHL season.
Hyman accumulated 242 over three seasons playing for the OJHL’s Hamilton Red Wings (now the Markham Royals) and was the captain of the club in his final term, the 2010-11 campaign where he recorded 102 points. Included in that total were three seven-point and three five-point games and 28 games in a row where he recorded at least one point.
Hyman was drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2010 in the fifth round, 123rd overall.
Hymanwon the Ontario Hockey Association’s B.J. Munro Memorial Trophy in 2011 as its top pro prospect as well as being named Canadian Junior A player of the year, two of the many awards he would win at the junior level.
The Toronto-born forward spent four seasons in the NCAA with the University of Michigan Wolverines, graduating after the 2014-15 season in which he was named to the NCAA first all-star team. He would begin his NHL career in 2015 for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Zach’s father, Stuart, is chairman of the OJHL’s board of governors and owner of the Markham franchise. Spencer Hyman is president, hockey operations of the team. Another brother, Shane, is director of player personnel.
Under Andlauer’s guidance, the Bulldogs captured J. Ross Robertson Cup titles in 2018 and 2022 while developing a number of NHL players and making contributions in both the Hamilton and Brantford communities through the work of the Bulldogs Foundation.
“It’s been an honour to be the owner of the Bulldogs, who have won two championship trophies and launched the careers of many successful players into the NHL,” said Andlauer. “Although it is time for me to focus on my new hockey world, I know that the new ownership of the Hyman family will continue to bring success for the Brantford Bulldogs organization on the ice and in this great community that has embraced us these past two years.
“To the coaches, players and staff of the team, I know you will continue to deliver a best-in-class product. To the Brantford fans – thank you for showing the OHL that you are the best place to play in junior hockey!”
The Bulldogs, who brought OHL hockey back to the Telephone City for the first time since 1984 last season, continue to generate a large following at the Civic Centre and are pursuing a long-term lease agreement with the City of Brantford that would include plans for a new arena.
“The strength of the OHL is its communities, and Brantford has proven to be an outstanding destination for OHL hockey,” said Commissioner Bryan Crawford. “On behalf of the League’s Board of Governors, I’d firstly like to thank Michael Andlauer for his tremendous leadership and contributions to the game. I’m excited to welcome the Hyman family to the OHL community and am looking forward to seeing the OHL continue to thrive in Brantford for years to come.”
About the Brantford Bulldogs
The Brantford Bulldogs are a proud member of the Ontario Hockey League, hoisting the J. Ross Robertson Cup as league champions in both 2018 and 2022. The Bulldogs franchise has produced current National Hockey League talent in Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues), Mason McTavish (Anaheim Ducks) and Arthur Kaliyev (New York Rangers) among several other names. The Bulldogs strive for excellence on the ice and a leading role in serving the surrounding community with charitable efforts through the Bulldogs Foundation.
About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League has long been regarded as the number one development league in the world, continuing to serve as a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League. The OHL consists of 20 teams, with 17 located in Ontario, two in the state of Michigan and one in the state of Pennsylvania. A proud member of the Canadian Hockey League, the OHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships, with over 330 graduates receiving OHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice in 2023-24, resulting in a collective investment of over $3.9 million by OHL member teams.
