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MALHOTRA MOMENT HIGHLIGHTS BULLDOGS NHL DRAFT

Reed Duthie — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 04:17:33 +0000

Caleb Malhotra's franchise record setting selection to the Vancouver Canucks on Friday night highlighted a 2026 NHL Draft that saw a pair of Bulldogs selected from the 2025-26 season and one joining the team for the 2026-27 season, as Malhotra led defensemen Vladimir Dravecky & Jean-Samuel Daigneault in selection through the draft process.

A MALHOTRA MOMENT MEANS MORE BULLDOGS HISTORY

With the 3rd overall pick, the Vancouver Canucks are proud to select Caleb Malhotra!#NHLDraft | @UberEats pic.twitter.com/G23nrNouwf
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 26, 2026

With his 3rd overall selection in the NHL Draft, Caleb Malhotra continued to add to an incredible run in Brantford by becoming the highest NHL drafted player in franchise history, passing Jake O'Brien who was taken 8th by the Seattle Kraken in the 2025 NHL Draft. Malhotra's selection also moved the run of Bulldogs selected in the 1st round of the NHL Draft to three straight seasons with Malhotra selected 3rd in 2026 by Vancouver, O'Brien selected 8th in 2025 by Seattle & Marek Vanacker selected 27th by the Blackhawks in 2024, the 2024 NHL Draft also saw Adam Jiricek selected 16th by St. Louis and though he had been selected in the Import Draft by the Bulldogs had not yet signed. Malhotra was incredible from the drop of the puck on the 2025-26 season, immediately becoming a game changing player for the Bulldogs. Posting 29 goals & 55 assists for 84 points in 67 games while skating to a plus-33 rating, Malhotra captured the franchise rookie records for both assists & points, while sitting 2nd for rookie goal scoring. Malhotra impressed on the biggest stages throughout the season, captaining Team CHL at the CHL/USA Prospects Challenge and served as an assistant captain on Team East, with now Vancouver teammate Adam Novotny as captain, at the OHL Top Prospects Game. Malhotra continued to make history in the post season where he again set rookie records in goals, assists, points and plus/minus with 13 goals & 13 assists for 26 points while skating to a plus-10 rating in 15 playoff games. Even more impressive off the ice as a person than on the ice, Malhotra made a lasting impact on the Bulldogs franchise in his rookie season as a leader, on the ice, in the locker room and in the community and showed why in every facet he will be a great addition for the Canucks organization.

DRAVECKY STORM-ING TO LONG ISLAND

With the 141st Pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the #Isles select Vladimir Dravecky! pic.twitter.com/qbFajohXKJ
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) June 27, 2026

With the 141st overall selection the New York Islanders called Vladimir Dravecky's name, coming off his first season in the OHL in Brantford. The Manchester, New Hampshire born, product of Trinec, Czechia was selected 50th overall by the Bulldogs in the 2025 CHL Import Draft and arrived to Brantford after playing at the professional level in both Slovakia, with Kosice, and Sweden, with Rogle, and immediately looked the part. Finishing behind only countryman Adam Jiricek in defensive scoring for the Bulldogs, Dravecky posted 9 goals & 19 assists for 28 points in 58 games while skating to a plus-24 rating. Dravecky skated in 11 playoff games after battling a brief injury, collecting 3 assists. On the world stage, Dravecky joined Bulldogs teammates Jiricek & Adam Benak in winning a silver medal with Team Czechia at the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship and now adds an NHL selection to an impressive overall season. The tremendously skilled, offensively electric defender was traded to the Guelph Storm on June 9th where he will have an opportunity to skate for a Memorial Cup with the hosts in Guelph.

JEAN-SAMUEL DAIGNEAULT GETS THE CALL TO MONTREAL

Avec le 221e choix au total, les Canadiens sélectionnent le défenseur Jean-Samuel Daigneault des Lumberjacks de Muskegon dans la USHL.

With the 221st-overall selection, the Canadiens have drafted defenseman Jean-Samuel Daigneault from the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL.… pic.twitter.com/6hbxoO5Unn
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) June 27, 2026

The newest member of the Brantford Bulldogs, Jean-Samuel Daigneault received a dream call on Saturday afternoon as the product of Saint-Michel, Quebec was selected 221st overall by the Montreal Canadiens, just over a half hour drive from home. Signed by the Bulldogs on June 26th, Daigneault was originally selected 35th overall by the Shawinigan Cataractes in the 2024 QMJHL Draft but decided to forge a different path staying with the College Charles-Lemoyne Riverains for the 2024-25 season before being selected by the Muskegon Lumberjacks 34th overall in the 2025 USHL Entry Draft. Daigneault quickly became noted as one of the hardest hitting defenders in the 2026 Draft class. The feared 6'4"/190lbs left shot rearguard combines that penchant for body contact with strong mobility at his size that earned him his signing by the Bulldogs and now his selection by the legendary Canadiens.

BULLDOGS SIGN DEFENSEMAN JEAN-SAMUEL DAIGNEAULT

Reed Duthie — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:45:27 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the signing of defenseman Jean-Samuel Daigneault from the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Daigneault, from Saint-Michel, QC, was originally the 34^th overall selection in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft by the Shawinigan Cataractes out of the Collège Charles-Lemoyne Riverains M18 AAA program. Daigneault returned to the Riveraines program for the 2024-25 season posting 4 goals & 13 assists for 17 points in 42 games, adding another pair of assists in 10 playoff games. Known for his physical style, Daigneault’s skating ability at 6’4”/190 combined with a nasty defensive disposition led him to be selected 35^th overall in the 2025 USHL Entry Draft and spending the 2025-26 season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Posting 5 assists across 47 games, Daigneault became one of the most feared defenders in the USHL in his season with the Lumberjacks. The towering left-shot rearguard is expected to be selected in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft on route to bringing his heavy hitting defensive style to the Brantford blueline. “Adding JS Daigneault is a huge addition to our blue line.” said Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “He brings the size, grit, toughness, and physical presence that every winning team needs. He plays with an edge, finishes every check, and isn’t afraid to make life miserable for the opposition. JS is a mean, hard-nosed defenceman who competes every shift, and I have no doubt our fans are going to love the way he plays. He embodies the identity we’re building here, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Bulldogs.”.

BULLDOGS SIGN 31ST OVERALL SELECTION FINN ELLERY

Reed Duthie — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:35 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the signing of 2026 2^nd round, 31^st overall selection, Finn Ellery from the Central Ontario Wolves U16 to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Ellery, from Bobcaygeon, ON, comes off a tremendous U16 season in the OMHA where the 6’5”/180 centerman posted 20 goals & 25 assists for 45 points over 31 regular season games while racking up a team leading 79 penalty minutes along with showing an impressive 200ft game and leadership skills as an assistant captain for the Central Ontario Wolves. It was in the OMHA playoffs where Ellery shone brightest, leading the Wolves in every major offensive category with 9 goals & 9 assists for 18 points across 10 games. Ellery becomes the 2^nd signing from the Bulldogs 2026 Priority Selection class joining 20^th overall pick Aiden Kelly. Following his selection by the Bulldogs Assistant General Manager & Director of Scouting Mike Galati said: “Finn was a first round grade and we were very surprised to get him at 31. A big 6’5 Centre that can skate. Has a great stick and high end skill. Plays a heavy game and will finish every check. Brings size , compete, skill and heaviness instantly to our lineup. He brings everything we love in a player and we are very excited to make Finn a Bulldog.”.

BULLDOGS SIGN 2026 1ST ROUND SELECTION AIDEN KELLY

Reed Duthie — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:00:48 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the signing of 2026 1^ST round, 20^th overall selection, Aiden Kelly from the Detroit Little Caesars 15U to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Kelly, of Rochester, MI, is a noted dynamic offensive force, carrying eye popping numbers to the OHL. In the 2024-25 season skating with the Little Caesars 14U, Kelly was otherworldly posting 74 goals & 90 assists for 164 points across 80 games in all competitons. Kelly was no less impressive in the 2025-26 season with the 15U side, with the 6’0”/170 centerman posting 14 goals & 21 assists for 35 points, along with 80 penalty minutes, in 20 MAHA league games, adding a team leading 6 goals and 3 assists, leading the team with 9 points in 3 playoff games. Kelly continued his dominance north of the border in the OHL Cup, striking 5 times and adding 7 assists to lead the Little Caesars 15U side with 12 points in 5 games, adding 16 penalty minutes while skating to a plus-6 rating. Kelly looks now to bring his brand of dynamic physical hockey to Brantford patterning his game after Stanley Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Matthew Tkachuk. Following his selection by the Bulldogs Assistant General Manager & Director of Scouting Mike Galati said: “Aiden was our top rated player going in to the draft and when he was available at 20 we were pretty happy. Aiden brings extremely high end skill, high end IQ and is nasty to play against. He scores and brings offense in every way. He likes to get inside guys and doesn’t shy away. His compete level is through the roof. We are extremely excited to make Aiden a Bulldog and look forward to seeing him in black and yellow in September.”.

BULLDOGS ACQUIRE GOALTENDER CHASE PETROVA FROM 67’S

Reed Duthie — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:00:45 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the acquisition of goaltender Chase Petrova from the Ottawa 67’s in exchange for 2028 6^th (OSH). Petrova, of King City, ON, has continued to stack standout seasons between the pipes. Originally Ottawa’s 7^th round selection, 133^rd overall, in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Draft. Selected from the Oshawa Generals U16 AAA program where he posted a 2.14/.906 stat line with 7 shutouts across 44 games while going 3-1 with a 1.26/.936 line at the OHL Cup. Moving to the U18 AAA level with the Ajax/Pickering Raiders in the 2024-25 season, Petrova continued to shine, posting a 1.22 GAA with 5 shutouts and an 18-1-1 record in 20 OMHA league games, with a 1.05 GAA & 4-1 record in 5 playoff contests. Taking another massive step forward, Petrova spent the 2025-26 season with St. Andrews College where he dominated in Prep School competition over 9 appearances with a 2.21/.921 stat line and a 6-1-1 record combined with a 2.41/.910 line across 30 U18 AAA appearances stacking a 20-8-2 record with a shutout, leading St. Andrews College in minutes played between the pipes. Petrova capped his 2025-26 season with three appearances with the Newmarket Hurricanes of the OJHL where he again looked the part of a top netminder. Going 2-1 in the three games with a 2.59 GAA and a sterling .923 SV% and garnerning his first junior shutout, Petrova continued to prove his quality. “We are very excited with the addition of Chase Petrova.” said Brantford Bulldogs Director of Goaltending Franky Palazzese. “Chase is a kid who has continued to develop exponentially year after year. First and foremost we have added a high character, hard working and competitive individual to our team. Chase has elite footwork, high hockey IQ and great athleticism in the net while playing a very smart style of goaltending. He has many strong qualities that make him a great addition for the Brantford Bulldogs organization.”.

JET KWAJAH SIGNS WITH BRANTFORD BULLDOGS

Reed Duthie — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:00:45 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the signing of recently acquired defenseman Jet Kwajah, from the Madison Capitols of the USHL, to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Kwajah, a Hamilton, ON product, was originally selected in the 6^th round, 104^th overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Draft after being signed to a 1^st round tender in the USHL by the Madison Capitols. The offensively minded Kwajah entered the junior level from the Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA program where he posted 3 goals & 20 assists for 23 points in 30 GTHL games in his draft season. The 6’0”/177 right-shot rearguard moved to the USHL for the 2024-25 season collecting 6 goals & 10 assists for 16 ponts in 41 games while skating to a plus-4 rating earning recognition on the USHL All-Rookie Team. Kwajah nearly doubled his output in the 2026-27 season collecting a team leading 7 goals from the blueline with 20 assists for 27 points over 55 games lead to Kwajah being on both the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term and Final rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. Kwajah currently holds a commitment to Penn State University which he shares in common with fellow Bulldogs newcomers Xavier Lieb & Owen DeGraff. Kwajah’s playing rights were acquired by the Bulldogs in a June 2^nd trade from the Owen Sound Attack. On his acquisition, Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman was quoted; "We are thrilled to welcome Jet Kwajah to the Bulldogs organization. We believe Jet has the ability to be one of the premier offensive defencemen in the OHL immediately.” said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “He is an elite skater, an exceptional puck mover, and possesses a high-end shot that makes him a threat every time he touches the puck. What separates Jet is his offensive instincts and hockey sense, but he also has the ability to defend and impact the game in all three zones. Beyond his talent, he is a first-class person and one of the highest-character young men you will meet.”.

AIDEN KELLY, FINN ELLERY, KAYDEN KELLY & JOHN KANYO LEAD BULLDOGS DRAFT CLASS

Reed Duthie — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 01:42:28 +0000

BULLDOGS ACQUIRE DRAFT SELECTIONS FROM STORM FOR DRAVECKY

Reed Duthie — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 23:15:26 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the acquisition of a series of OHL Priority Draft Selections; NB 2^nd (’26), GUE 3^rd (’28), LDN 4^th (’28), GUE 5^th (’29), BRAM 12^th (’28) cond. in exchange for import defenseman Vladimir Dravecky & the playing rights to import forward Adrien Bartovic. The North Bay 2^nd round selection acquired in the 2026 OHL Draft is the 31^st overall selection, giving the Bulldogs picks at 20, 31 & 40 in the first two rounds. Dravecky, the Trinec, CZE product, was selected in 50^th overall by the Bulldogs in the 2025 CHL Import Draft and arrived to the team from the Rogle BK team in Sweden where he earned his way into playing pro games in a second country, having played for HC Kosice in Slovakia’s top level as well. Dravecky skated in 58 games for the Bulldogs in the 2025-26 season posting 9 goals & 19 assists for 28 points, skating to a plus-24 rating while adding 3 assists in 11 playoff games. Bartovic, of Pardubice, CZE, was selected 42^nd overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft from the Malmo Redhawks program in Sweden. After missing the 2024-25 season, Bartovic returned with a strong 2025-26 season posting 20 goals & 25 assists for 45 points in 29 games with Liberec U20 side earning an opportunity to step to the professional level in Slovakia with Vlci Zilina posting 3 goals and an assist in 17 games. “First and foremost, we want to thank Vlad for everything he gave to the Bulldogs organization.” said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “Vlad represented our team with professionalism, passion, and pride every single day, and we are incredibly grateful for the time he spent in Brantford. While it’s never easy to part ways with great people, this trade presents a tremendous opportunity for Vlad in Guelph, and we wish him nothing but success with the Storm moving forward. We are very excited about the return. Adding Pick 31 in this year’s OHL Priority Selection gives us an opportunity to bring in a ready-made player that we believe can impact our program now and in the future. In addition, the collection of draft picks we acquired strengthens our cupboard and provides us with valuable assets that can be utilized to improve our team now or strategically in the future. Maintaining flexibility while continuing to build a championship-calibre organization is critically important, and this transaction helps us accomplish that.”.

U18 DRAFT RECAP: BALL LEADS, JOVANOVIC MAKES HISTORY

Reed Duthie — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:46:37 +0000

The Brantford Bulldogs added three prospects to the organization on Monday through the OHL U18 Draft, selecting Michael Ball, Sophie Jovanovic & Tristan Walker. On the clock with the 20th overall selection in the first round, the Bulldogs were extremely happy to see defenseman Michael Ball of the Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA program available. Ball, the left-shot defenseman from Waterloo, ON, was exceptional in his U18 season posting 19 goals & 65 assists for 84 points in 82 games across all competitions in the 2025-26 season while skating to a plus-72 rating, earning recognition in the ALLIANCE U18 AAA Prospects Game. Ball was equally impressive in the playoffs with 3 goals & 10 assists for 13 points in 11 post-season contests. The smooth skating rearguard built on his U18 success, earning a 5 game look in the GOHL with the Waterloo Siskins where he recorded an assist. The Bulldogs made history with the 40th overall selection, calling Sophie Jovanovic's name making the Toronto Nationals U18 AAA netminder the first ever female selected in the OHL U18 Draft. Jovanovic already holds a commitment to the University of Wisconsin and has been otherworldly between the pipes in the GTHL at both the U16 & U18 levels. With the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA, Jovanovic racked up a 10-1-3 record with a 1.71 GAA leading the way for the Marlboros program. Widely seen as part of the future of the Team Canada program, Jovanovic will get an opportunity to earn her way towards more history in Brantford. When asked her thoughts on being selected to the Bulldogs in the U18 Draft, Sophie Jovanovic stated; “I am extremely grateful and thankful to the entire Brantford Bulldogs organization for this opportunity. I want to thank everyone who has helped make this happen. I’m excited for what’s next.” The Bulldogs went local with the final pick of the OHL U18 Draft, selecting towering defenseman Tristan Walker from the Brantford 99ers U18 AAA program. The 6'3"/190lbs right shot blueliner posted a goal & 5 assists for 6 points across 29 games with the 99ers while bringing a heavy physical presence.

BULLDOGS ACQUIRE MCCUAIG FROM FRONTENACS

Reed Duthie — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:59:20 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the acquisition of St. Lawrence commit, forward Camden McCuaig & SAG 6^th (‘26) in exchange for forward Ryan Chamberlain, NB 3^rd (’27) & BFD 6^th (’27). McCuaig, of Williamstown, ON, is a product of the Eastern Ontario Wild AAA program, where the 6’4”/196 centerman posted 17 goals & 18 assists across 30 HEO league games in his U16 season leading to his selection in the 5^th round, 87^th overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Draft by Kingston. McCuaig moved to the CCHL for his rookie junior season, playing with the Cornwall Colts who selected the towering power forward 3^rd overall in the 2024 CCHL Draft. McCuaig made an immediate impact in Cornwall, posting 16 goals & 14 assists for 30 points in 45 games as a rookie, good for 3^rd on the Colts, while earning his first OHL callup skating in 4 games with the Frontenacs. McCuaig took a big step forward in the 2025-26 season, leading the Colts in points-per-game posting 18 goals & 24 assists for 42 points in 40 games while skating in 17 games for the Frontenacs posting 3 goals & 3 assists for 6 points. “We’re thrilled to add Camden McCuaig to the Bulldogs.” said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “Camden is a big, powerful 6’4 centre who impacts the game in all three zones. He plays a hard, heavy style, has an excellent shot and release, and brings an element to our lineup that we felt we needed. We believe there is significant upside in his game and are excited to develop him down the middle as a centreman.”. With the 2026 6^th round pick acquired in the trade, the Bulldogs now hold 15 picks, with 7 in the first 7 rounds, of the draft to be held in Kingston on June 12^th & 13^th. Chamberlain, of Peterborough, ON, spent the season split between the Bulldogs and Brantford Titans of the GOHL. The speedy left-shot forward notched 6 goals & 13 assists for 19 points in 27 GOHL games while posting two assists in 17 games with the Bulldogs. The graduate of the Toronto Marlboros AAA program was originally Sarnia’s 5^th round selection, 101^st overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Draft. “Ryan Chamberlain was a tremendous person to have in our organization and represented the Bulldogs with class every day.” said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyamn. “We thank Ryan for his hard work and commitment, and we’re excited for him to receive a greater opportunity in Kingston to showcase his skill set. We wish him nothing but success moving forward.”.