https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/tag/adam-benak/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:59:46 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-acquire-jet-kwajah-draft-picks-from-attack-for-leenders Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:59:46 +0000 Julia Boss-Zister https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-acquire-jet-kwajah-draft-picks-from-attack-for-leenders BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the acquisition of the playing rights of defenseman Jet Kwajah and a series of OHL Priority Draft Selections; SOO 2^nd (’27) cond., OSH 4^th (’27) cond., OS 5th (’26) from the Owen Sound Attack in exchange for goaltender Ryerson Leenders & BFD 15^th (’28) cond.   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 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.   "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. This transaction also represents a significant step in strengthening our future. Adding a second, fourth, and fifth-round pick gives us valuable draft capital and flexibility moving forward. We are excited about what Jet will bring to our lineup today, while also adding important assets that will help shape the future of Bulldogs hockey for years to come."   Leenders, from Nanticoke, ON, was originally selected in the 2^nd round, 32^nd overall by the, then, Mississauga Steelheads in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection Draft, and was acquired by the Bulldogs on August 29^th, 2024 after two seasons with the Steelheads. Leenders arrived in Brantford coming off a season where he won gold medals at both the Hlinka-Gretzky & U18 WHC and set statistical highmarks in both seasons with the Bulldogs. A 3.11/.910 stat line with a 31-14-3-0 record in 48 games in 2024-25 was followed by a 2.69/.910 stat line with a 27-5-4-2 record in the 2025-26 season. Leenders also ran a 14-7 playoff record with the Bulldogs, including a 10-4 mark with a 2.41/.906 in the 2026 playoffs.   “On behalf of the entire Bulldogs organization, I want to thank Ryerson Leenders for everything he has given to our team over the last two seasons.” said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “Ryerson is a tremendous competitor, and person. While we are sad to see him go, we are incredibly grateful for everything he contributed to our team and community. We wish Ryerson nothing but success as he begins this next chapter in Owen Sound.”]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-acquire-draft-selections-from-fronts-for-christie Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:59:55 +0000 Julia Boss-Zister https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-acquire-draft-selections-from-fronts-for-christie BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the acquisition of a pair of draft selections; NIA 2^nd (’29), WSR 5^th (’26) from the Kingston Frontenacs in exchange for defenseman Gavin Christie.   Christie, of Beamsville, ON, was selected in the 3^rd round, 58^th overall in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection Draft from the Niagara North Stars U16 AAA program. Collecting 8 goals & 16 assists for 24 points in 31 OMHA league games, Christie followed it up with 10 points across 8 playoff games, earning his selection by the Bulldogs. Spending the 2025-26 season with the affiliated Brantford Titans of the GOHL, Christie flashed his two-way ability with 7 goals & 20 assists for 27 points in 38 games while racking up 107 penalty minutes on the season. Christie made his OHL debut in the 2025-26 season, skating in 9 games with the Bulldogs, filling in both as a forward and defenseman when called upon.   “We would like to thank Gavin Christie for his time with the Bulldogs organization and wish him nothing but success moving forward.” Said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “While Gavin was only with us for a short period, he conducted himself with professionalism, character, and a team-first attitude every day. This trade presents a tremendous opportunity for Gavin to earn valuable ice time and continue his development in Kingston. At the same time, it allows our organization to further strengthen our draft cupboard as we continue building for now and the future.”.  ]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-acquire-jack-good-draft-picks-from-erie-for-egorov Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:29:06 +0000 Julia Boss-Zister https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-acquire-jack-good-draft-picks-from-erie-for-egorov BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced a pair of trades with the Erie Otters, the acquisition of the playing rights of forward Jack Good for BFD 13^th (’28) along with a series of four OHL Priority Draft selections; NB 3^rd (’27), SAG 3^rd (’27), SAR 4^th (’26), ER 5^th (’29) in exchange for goaltender David Egorov.   Good, the Ajax, ON, product, was originally selected in the 7^th round, 125^th overall, by the Erie Otters in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection Draft. Good’s draft selection was a reflection of a commitment both to St. Andrew’s College and an NCAA path that has led to a commitment to Merrimack Collge. The 5’10”, 172lbs left-shot forward moved on to star at St. Andrew’s College, posting an incredible 44 goals & 101 assists for 145 points in 70 games across all competitions in the 2023-24 season while serving as an assistant captain. Good moved to the BCHL from there with the Brooks Bandits where he won the BCHL Championship as a rookie before becoming a dominant force in the 2025-26 season. Leading the Bandits through the regular season, Good posted 22 goals and a league leading 48 assists for 70 points across 54 games, Good had his biggest moment in the post season recording the overtime winner in Game 5 to capture Brooks’ 2^nd straight BCHL Championship.   “We are extremely excited to welcome Jack Good to the Bulldogs organization.” said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “He is a talented player who will contribute immediately and help support the development of our younger players. Beyond his skill set, Jack is an outstanding person, a tremendous teammate, and a proven winner. Winning back-to-back championships with the Brooks Bandits is not easy, and bringing that experience, leadership, and winning mentality into our dressing room is something we value tremendously. Equally important, this transaction allows us to replenish valuable draft capital and continue building for now and the future. Adding multiple draft selections back into our cupboard gives us important assets and flexibility as we shape the next chapter of Bulldogs hockey. We are excited about what Jack brings today and what these additional picks can help us accomplish moving forward.”   Egorov, from Ottawa, ON, was selected in the 4^th round, 64^th overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection Draft, starring at the junior level with the, then, Hamilton Kilty B’s in 2022-23, Egorov was brilliant posting with 30 wins between the regular season & playoffs, including a 2.01/.927 stat line over 17 playoff starts. Egorov stepped up to the OHL full-time for the 2023-24 season and has never looked back. “Big Save Dave” played in 77 games for the Bulldogs over his 4 seasons, posting a 3.04/.901 stat line with a 44-16-7-0 record over that span.   “We want to sincerely thank David Egorov for everything he brought to the Bulldogs organization. From the moment he arrived, David embraced our team, our community, and everything it means to be a Bulldog. He is an outstanding teammate, a fierce competitor, and an even better person. His positive attitude, character, and dedication made our organization better every day. We are grateful for the role he played in our team’s success and proud to have had him wear the Bulldogs crest. We wish David and his family all the best in Erie and look forward to following his continued success both on and off the ice.”]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-acquire-draft-selections-from-sarnia-for-holmes Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:29:05 +0000 Julia Boss-Zister https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-acquire-draft-selections-from-sarnia-for-holmes BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the acquisition of a pair of OHL Priority Draft selections; SAR 3^rd (’28), OSH 6^th (’28), from the Sarnia Sting in exchange for forward Parker Holmes.   Holmes, from South Mountain, ON, was originally selected in the 7^th round, 129^th overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection Draft off a breakout U18 season with the Kemptville 73’s posting 25 goals & 24 assists for 49 points in 41 games on route to an HEO U18 Championship. Holmes spent his rookie junior season with the Kemptville 73’s CCHL side, posting 10 points across 51 games before a great effort at training camp for the 2024-25 season earned the 6’4”/227 winger a spot on the Bulldogs. After skating in 21 games as an OHL rookie, the Chicago Blackhawks selected Holmes in the 4^th round, 107^th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. Returning to Brantford for the 2025-26 season, Holmes skated in 49 games posting 6 goals & 11 assists for 17 points, potting another goal in 11 playoff games.   “We would like to thank Parker Holmes for everything he contributed to the Bulldogs organization.” said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “Parker represented our team with professionalism, character, and a team-first attitude throughout his time in Brantford. He was a valued member of our locker room and someone our staff enjoyed working with every day. We wish Parker nothing but success as he begins this next chapter in Sarnia and thank him for his contributions to our program.”.]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/brantford-bulldogs-thank-jay-mckee-for-an-incredible-5-seasons Fri, 29 May 2026 13:06:18 +0000 Julia Boss-Zister https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/brantford-bulldogs-thank-jay-mckee-for-an-incredible-5-seasons th, 2021 as the OHL looked to return to play in the 2021-22 season and the Bulldogs embarked on a five year run of excellence that has set the benchmark for the franchise moving forward.   Running a sterling regular season record of 213-91-30-6, for a .627 winning percentage, McKee won three East Division titles, including the franchise first back-to-back in 2025 & 2026, two Hamilton Spectator Trophies and of course led the 2022 team that would capture the Bobby Orr Trophy as Eastern Conference Champions and the franchise’s 2^nd J. Ross Robertson Cup. The playoffs saw McKee run a 37-20 record in his tenure behind the Bulldogs bench and his record for development in that time is second to none. Fostering the franchise’s first four NHL 1^st round picks; Marek Vanacker & Adam Jiricek (2024), Jake O’Brien (2025) & Caleb Malhotra (2026, expected), McKee also sent 31 players to be drafted or signed at the pro level and numerous more to the collegiate level. Additionally, as bench boss, McKee graduated his first two assistants to the pro level with Andrew Campbell joining the Belleville Senators & Andreas Karlsson going to the Edmonton Oilers.   Ranking 19^th all-time in wins over his OHL tenure, McKee cemented his name in the upper echelons when he matched Brian Kilrea for 4^th fastest to 300 wins in an OHL coaching career and now sets for the next step. In looking at his time with the Bulldogs Jay was quoted:   “ I’m beyond grateful for my time as head coach of the Brantford Bulldogs and for the great relationships that were built over the years.  The great memories, experiences and friendships made with our players and staff with stay with me forever.  To the fans in the madhouse, thank you for providing our players with incredible motivation and support, you are the best!  Lastly, thank you to ownership from myself and my family for treating everyone with such class and professionalism.  I appreciate you all.”.   Bittersweet for the Bulldogs franchise in graduating an incredible coach and even better person to the pro level behind the bench, Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman said:   “Jay McKee has left an incredible mark on the Bulldogs organization, the cities of Hamilton and Brantford, and everyone fortunate enough to know him. What Jay accomplished throughout his tenure as head coach goes far beyond wins and banners. He helped build a culture rooted in professionalism, accountability, toughness, and genuine care for people. He has impacted countless players, staff members, and families, not only as a coach, but as a mentor, leader, and role model.   Beyond the bench, Jay has been an unbelievable leader for our organization and our community. The respect he has earned throughout Hamilton, Brantford, and across the hockey world speaks volumes about the type of person he is. Humble, loyal, selfless, and authentic, Jay has been a close friend to all of us and someone our organization will always be grateful for.   While this is an emotional day because of how much he means to our team and Brantford, there is nobody more deserving of this opportunity. We are incredibly excited for Jay, Sam, and their family as they begin this next chapter.   Congratulations to the entire McKee family, and thank you for everything you have given to the Bulldogs organization and our community.”.   While Jay, and the entire McKee family will be missed in Brantford, there is no easy way to sum up all he has meant to the entire organization that Jay has represented so tremendously so we say THANK YOU JAY & Once A Bulldog, Always A Bulldog!]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-sign-usntdp-defenseman-abe-barnett Thu, 28 May 2026 13:59:09 +0000 Julia Boss-Zister https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-sign-usntdp-defenseman-abe-barnett th, and now officially joins the organization. Arriving from two years with the National Team Development Program, Barnett has been a tower of power skating in 180 games between the U17, U18 & USHL levels. In the 2025-26 season, Barnett skated in 87 games between the U18 & USHL sides collecting 15 points from the blueline while posting a plus-21 rating. The 6’3”, 198lbs left shot rearguard additionally skated in all three games at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge skating to a plus-1 rating.   Internationally, Barnett has represented the United States at the U17 World Hockey Challenge, U18 World Hockey Championship & 2024 Youth Olympic Games, capturing a gold medal.   Barnett, like older brother & Edmonton Oilers draft selection Asher, is a graduate of the Chicago Mission program where he won a 15U Tier 1 National Championship in 2024, after posting 7 goals & 33 assists for 40 points in 64 games, with another 5 points in 6 games at Nationals.   “Abe Barnett is a big, heavy, hard-nosed 6’3 defenseman that defends with purpose and competes at an extremely high level. said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “He’s the type of player that makes opponents uncomfortable every time they’re on the ice against him. Abe brings a physical edge, strong defensive instincts, and a shutdown presence that is incredibly difficult to play against. Beyond the player, he is an incredible young man and someone we are proud to welcome into our organization. We’re thrilled he’s a Bulldog.”.   “I’m thrilled to be a part of this organization and can’t wait to get to work this fall!” said Abe Barnett on signing with the Bulldogs.]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-sign-penn-state-commit-xavier-lieb Tue, 26 May 2026 14:00:15 +0000 Julia Boss-Zister https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-sign-penn-state-commit-xavier-lieb https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-sign-2022-draft-selection-noah-lapointe Mon, 25 May 2026 14:00:48 +0000 Julia Boss-Zister https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-sign-2022-draft-selection-noah-lapointe th round, 302^nd overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection Draft with the 6’0”, 196lbs left shot rearguard heading to the USNTDP for 2022-23 & 2023-24 seasons. Following his draft season with the legendary Shattuck St. Mary’s 15U AAA program, where he posted 34 points from the blueline in 60 games, Lapointe made an immediate impact with the USNTDP, representing his country at the U17 World Hockey Challenge, winning gold. After graduating from the USNTDP, Lapointe has spent the last two seasons in the USHL with the Chicago Steel and most recently the Tri-City Storm. Known for his rugged, shutdown defense style, Lapointe 6 goals & 3 assists for 9 points in 45 games with Tri-City while priding himself on making life difficult for opponents on every shift.   Coming by the hard to play against style rightly, Lapointe is the son of Martin Lapointe who had an incredible playing career, winning two QMJHL Championships, two World Junior Hockey Championship Gold Medals, a Calder Cup and two Stanley Cups and currently works with the Montreal Canadiens, giving Noah plenty of experience and knowledge to draw upon.   “Noah Lapointe brings everything you want in an overage defenseman and leader.” said Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “He is tough, dependable, and has a presence that you feel every time he steps on the ice. Noah competes with an edge, is hard to play against, and makes opponents earn every inch. Beyond his impact on the ice, he leads by example and brings the character, experience, and leadership qualities that are invaluable to any team.”.   “I’m super excited to be a part of a first-class organization and get the Madhouse rocking next season!”. said Lapointe on signing with the Bulldogs.]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-sign-uconn-commit-nathan-hauad Sat, 23 May 2026 16:59:01 +0000 Julia Boss-Zister https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-sign-uconn-commit-nathan-hauad https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-sign-penn-state-commit-owen-degraff Fri, 22 May 2026 17:59:42 +0000 Julia Boss-Zister https://chl.ca/ohl-bulldogs/article/bulldogs-sign-penn-state-commit-owen-degraff