'Go Dogs': OHL Approves Transfer Of Brantford Bulldogs To Zach Hyman And Family

A group led by Edmonton Oilers left winger Zach Hyman and family are set to become new owners of the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs following the league's board of governors meeting on Monday.

The league approved a transfer of ownership of the Bulldogs to Hyman, his brother Spencer Hyman, father Stuart Hyman and their group from outgoing owner Michael Andlauer, who's in his second season of owning the Ottawa Senators and AHL Belleville Senators. CHCH News in Hamilton reported the sale on Friday.

"Hockey is more than just a game for my family," Hyman said in the news release. "It teaches our youth about the importance of teamwork, and it brings together communities."

The Bulldogs relocated to Brantford for the 2023-24 season due to arena renovations in Hamilton, where they played since 2015-16. The team is pursuing a long-term lease agreement with the City of Brantford with plans to build a new arena, according to the OHL.

"The strength of the OHL is its communities, and Brantford has proven to be an outstanding destination for OHL hockey," OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford said in a statement. "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."

The Bulldogs won the OHL championship in 2018 and 2022 in Hamilton. Although Andlauer relocated the Belleville Bulls to Hamilton in 2016, Andlauer said last week he is committed to keeping the AHL Senators in Belleville.

“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," Andlauer said in the announcement.

Zach Hyman, 32, has 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points in 37 games with the Oilers this season. He's coming off a career-high 54 goals last season.

Spencer Hyman, 31, is currently the president of hockey operations for the Jr. A Markham Royals, which Stuart Hyman has owned since 2015-16. He relocated the franchise from Hamilton, then named the Hamilton Red Wings, where Zach and Spencer Hyman played between 2008 and 2013.

The league scheduled a press conference for Wednesday in Brantford ahead of the OHL Top Prospects Game.

"I am humbled and greatly appreciate the faith Michael has placed in me to continue his incredible legacy with such a storied franchise," Zach Hyman said. "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!"

Related: Screen Shots: Hyman Buys OHL Team, Capitals Goalies, Plus Marner And Matthews' Line

Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum.