Brantford Bulldogs - Feed

BULLDOGS NAME EVAN MATHIAS ASSISTANT COACH & DIRECTOR OF ANALYTICS

Reed Duthie — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:30:16 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations Spencer Hyman today announced the hiring of Evan Mathias as the club’s Director of Analytics and an Assistant Coach, coming to the Bulldogs directly from the Vancouver Canucks. Mathias, of Windsor, ON, arrives to the Bulldogs off six-plus seasons in the National Hockey League. A Memorial Cup champion with the Windsor Spitfires in 2017, Mathias began his major junior career that season as an analyst with the Spitfires. Spending two seasons in the analyst role before being promoting to Director of Analytics in 2018 and continuing in that role until his call to the professional level. The Ottawa Senators brough Mathias on board in 2020 as an analyst and mirroring his growth in the OHL, Mathias was promoted to Assistant Video Coach as well as Data Analyst in 2022 and remained in the role until 2024. Mathias most recently joined the Vancouver Canucks as an Assistant Video Coach for the 2025-26 season and now returns closer to home in joining Michael Babcock’s staff. “We’re thrilled to welcome Evan Mathias to the Brantford Bulldogs as our Assistant Coach and Director of Analytics.” said Hyman. “Evan brings outstanding NHL experience, a sharp analytical mind, and a relentless commitment to preparation and player development. His ability to leverage analytics to drive better decision-making and provide valuable insights throughout our organization will be a tremendous asset. We’re excited to welcome Evan and his family to the Bulldogs!”.

BULLDOGS NAME LUKE JOSEPH AS VIDEO COACH

Reed Duthie — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:30:36 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations Spencer Hyman today announced the hiring of Luke Joseph as the club’s video coach. Joseph, of Keswick, ON, is the son of 19-year NHL veteran Curtis Joseph and takes his first role at the major junior level as the Bulldogs video coach. As a player, Joseph came through he York-Simcoe Express Program with OJHL stops with both the Aurora Tigers & Newmarket Hurricanes. After an extremely productive season with the Napanee Raiders of the PJHL winning the Clarence Schmaltz Cup, Joseph continued to find success at the prep level with the Hill Academy, being named the top defenseman of the CSSHL. Now stepping into a staff guided by Micheal Babcock, Joseph arrives in Brantford keen to learn his way forward on the staff side of the game and the Brantford Bulldogs are very excited to welcome him to the staff. “Luke has earned this opportunity through his relentless work ethic, passion for the game, and commitment to continuous improvement.” said Hyman. “He has a tremendous eye for detail and understands how impactful video can be in today’s game, both from a development and preparation standpoint. As our Video Coach, Luke will play a key role in breaking down our game, preparing our players, and helping our coaching staff make informed decisions. We are very excited to see the impact he’ll have as we continue building!”.

BULLDOGS NAME NOJHL COACH OF THE YEAR PETER GOULET AS ASSISTANT

Reed Duthie — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:00:17 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations Spencer Hyman & Head Coach Michael Babcock today announced the hiring of Bulldogs’ head scout Peter Goulet as Assistant Coach. Goulet, of Sydenham, ON, brings over two decades of bench experience to Brantford with a career beginning in 2004 as head coach Rideau St. Lawrence Kings of the HEO before moving to the Junior A level with the Kingston Voyageurs for three seasons as both assistant coach & assistant general manager, winning an OJHL Championship in 2009. Goulet moved to Nepean of the CCHL where he served as head coach & general manager of the Raiders from the 2009-2010 season through 2014-15, while spending the final two seasons in Nepean as a scout for the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL and was named CCHL Coach of the Year in the 2011-12 season. Goulet next spent a pair of seasons at the professional level as an assistant coach with the Brampton Beast of the ECHL from 2015-16 to 2016-17 while also serving as general manager of the Kingston Voyageurs. Returning to Kingston full time in 2017, Goulet spent the next two seasons as head coach & general manager of the Voyageurs and was named assistant coach for Team Canada East at the 2018 World Junior A Challenge. Goulet moved onto the Trenton Golden Hawks as head coach & general manager for the 2019-20 season, staying for the next three seasons and being named OJHL Executive of the Year in 2020. Spending the last four years as the head coach of the NOJHL’s Powassan Voodoos, Goulet continued to earn accolades, winning a World Junior A Challenge Silver Medal as an assistant coach for Team Canada East in 2023 and being named NOJHL Coach of the Year for both the 2022-23 & 2025-26 seasons. “Pete is a familiar face in the organization with world of experience that will only help our staff and players.” said Brantford Bulldogs Head Coach Michael Babcock. “His articulation of clear and concise messaging was beyond impressive. Paired with his scouting ability, he is going to be crucial to our success.”. Goulet will continue to serve as the head scout for the Bulldogs in addition to his coaching duties, a dual role that Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations Spencer Hyman had tremendous faith for Goulet in. “This is a move we believe gives our organization a real competitive advantage." said Hyman. “Peter is an outstanding human and coach who will build strong relationships with our players every day while continuing to be our lead scout. We believe the connection between scouting and coaching is invaluable—having someone who understands exactly what it takes to succeed in our program creates a seamless link between recruiting and development. Using a college hockey model, Peter will assist coaching our team while continuing to evaluate top talent across the Alliance, GTA, and OMHA whenever the Bulldogs aren’t playing. We’re confident this structure will make us stronger today and for years to come.”.

BULLDOGS SIGN SWEDEN INTERNATIONAL VILMER SALÉN FORSBERG

Reed Duthie — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:00:23 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the signing of the team’s 62^nd overall selection in the 2026 CHL Import Draft Vilmer Salén Forsberg to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Salén Forsberg, of Södertälje, Sweden, strikes an imposing presence between the pipes, standing 6’6”/235 and becomes the Bulldogs first ever Swedish international and first ever import goaltender. The product of his hometown Södertälje SK program, Salén Forsberg has played at the J18 level since his 14-year old season, when he debuted with a 4 game stint posting a 2.64 GAA as a triple underage player in the J18 Region competition, stepping to the J18 Nationell level with a 3.70 GAA over 5 games there. Following up his debut, Salén Forsberg’s 2024-25 season was outstanding, again playing well above his age in his 15-year old season, the towering netminder known as “The Viking” posted a J18 Regional East, best 1.55 GAA along with a .920 save percentage, going 8-1 in his 9 games at that level, Salén Forsberg followed his effort up at the Nationell level with a 2.84/.892 line in 7 games, posting a 4-2 record and earning his first call up to the J20 level for Södertälje, appearing in 5 games with a 2.48/.890 stat line. In the playoffs for the J18 squad Salén Forsberg continued his high end play, posting a 2.60/.903 line with a 4-2 record over 6 post-season appearances. Salén Forsberg earned his first call to international competition in the 2024-25 season as well, dawning the Tre Kronor for 4 games compiling a 2.51/.921 line for his country at the U16 level. The 2025-26 season began for Salén Forsberg at the U18 level for Södertälje, still competing as an underager, posting a brilliant 2.28/.920 line with a 7-4 record in 11 appearances, the Nationell U18 was tougher on Södertälje but Salén Forsberg kept them in the fight in 18 appearances with an .898 save percentage over 18 appearances, earning another callup to the U20 level as a 16-year old with a 2.34/.939 in his appearance. Salén Forsberg worked his way to the U17 international level, taking the crease for a pair of games at the U17 World Hockey Challenge and posting a 3.34/.900 line in 7 games overall for the Tre Kronor. Salén Forsberg will now join fellow Bulldogs signee Adam Němec playing at the 2026 Hlinka-Gretzky tournament. “We are extremely excited to welcome Vilmer Salén Forsberg to the Brantford family.” said Brantford Bulldogs Director of Goaltending Franky Palazzese. “Vilmer is an elite goaltender with a massive frame at 6’6. He has elite level footwork, and is extremely sound positionally which makes him very tough to beat with his size in the net. His hockey IQ is far beyond his age, and most importantly we are getting an incredible human being off the ice. Vilmer’s character and work ethic are world class. He will be a very coveted prospect for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft with all of the attributes he possesses and we can’t wait to watch Vilmer suit up for the Brantford Bulldogs!”.

BULLDOGS SIGN 4th ROUND SELECTION JOHN KANYO

Reed Duthie — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:00:33 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations Spencer Hyman today announced the signing of 2026 4^th round, 65^th overall selection, John Kanyo, from the Barrie Colts U16 to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Kanyo, of Innisfil, ON, will remind Bulldogs fans of a young Owen Protz. The 6’1”/180 right-shot rearguard has already known for his ability to shut down the opposition and play a heavy physical game. After winning an OMHA U15 Championship in 2025, Kanyo had a standout season in 2025-26 at the U16 level. Skating in 59 games on the season, Kanyo posted 12 goals & 28 assists for 40 points with 109 penalty minutes. Kanyo’s solid defensive style earned him a 7 game callup to the U18 AAA level and he continued to shine a brief playoff run posting a goal & 2 assists in 3 games with 27 peanlty minutes. Kanyo becomes the 4^th signing from the Bulldogs 2026 Priority Selection class joining 20^th overall pick Aiden Kelly, 31^st selection Finn Ellery & 40^th selection Kayden Kelly “We’re thrilled to welcome John Kanyo to the Bulldogs. said Hyman. “He’s a tough, physical player who competes with an edge every single shift and isn’t afraid to get under the skin of opposing players. He brings the kind of grit and intensity that fits our identity perfectly, and we have no doubt he’s going to become a fan favourite in Brantford.”.

BULLDOGS SIGN 13th OVERALL IMPORT DRAFT SELECTION ADAM NĚMEC

Reed Duthie — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:00:41 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the signing of the team’s 13th overall selection in the 2026 CHL Import Draft Adam Němec to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement.

Němec, of Vsetin, Czechia, has been a standout at every level in his home nation, quickly rising through to playing at the highest level of Czech juniors for a full season as a 16-year old. Captaining his hometown VHK Vsetin U15 side as a 14-year old in the 2023-24 season, Němec dominated posting 16 goals & 18 assists for 34 points in just 16 games, his performance earned him a move up to the Vsetin U17 team playing in Czechia’s 2nd second division as a doule underager. Němec’s outstanding play didn’t stop, scoring 24 goals in 25 games while posting 49 points, adding another 7 points in 8 playoffs games.

Němec’s handiwork caught the eye of a legendary Czech program in Bílí Tygři Liberec who brought the, then, 15-year-old to their U17 program in the top Czech league for the 2024-25 season. Němec was outstanding again playing against older competition, posting 26 goals & 30 assists for 56 points across 43 games while skating to a plus-19 rating, leading his team in goals & points. Němec’s playoff performance was more of the same, scoring 4 goals & 10 assists for 14 points in 12 games, leading his team this time in assists and points. Němec earned a callup to the U20 level at just 15-years-old, posting a goal and an assist in 2 games. Starting the 2025-26 season in the U17 level the 6’1”/175 left-shot winger began a blistering pace, 9 goals & 14 assists for 23 points in just 16 games led him to being called up to Bílí Tygři Liberec U20 full time in his 16-year old season. Němec didn’t miss a beat, scoring 23 goals & 11 assists for 34 points in 33 games at the highest level of Czech junior hockey and earned his way to Bílí Tygři Liberec in the Extraliga to make his pro debut at just 16. Němec returned to the U17 level for the playoffs and again led with 9 goals & 7 assists for 16 points in just 9 games.

Representing Czechia internationally at the 2025 U17 World Hockey Challenge and posting 26 points across 22 goals across all U17 international competitions, Němec is widely expected to be leading the Czech entry to the 2026 Hlinka-Gretzky prior to the 2026-27 season beginning. Němec joins fellow Czechia internationals, Ondrej Kachyna, Jan Jenik, Jan Mysak, Tomas Hamara, Adam Jiricek, Adam Benak & Vladimir Dravecky in suiting up for the Bulldogs. “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Adam Němec to the Brantford Bulldogs.” said Hyman. “Adam is a player we’ve identified as having legitimate NHL potential because of his high-end hockey sense, compete level, and ability to impact the game in all three zones. Being named captain of Czechia’s U17 National Team speaks volumes about the leadership, character, and maturity he brings both on and off the ice. Adam joins a long line of outstanding Czech players who have proudly worn the Bulldogs jersey, and we’re excited that he will continue that tradition. We can’t wait to get him to Brantford and begin helping him take the next step toward achieving his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.”.

BULLDOGS SIGN 40th OVERALL SELECTION KAYDEN KELLY

Reed Duthie — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:00:34 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations Spencer Hyman today announced the signing of 2026 2^nd round, 40^th overall selection, Kayden Kelly, from the Markham Waxers U16 to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Kelly, the Toronto, ON product, was a force for the Waxers in the 2025-26 season, leading the team in goals & points. Striking for 44 goals, including 26 in 31 OMHA league games, and amassing 76 overall points in 58 games, Kelly combined the offensive output with his high end motor and physical play, posting 110 penalty minutes. A leader on and off the ice for the Waxers, Kelly was chosen as an assistant captain for the 2025-26 season. The 6’2”/181 left-shot winger, continued his strong play in the OMHA playoffs, with 2 goals & 4 assists for 6 points across 10 playoff contests, again showing his penchant to play with sandpaper posting 22 penalty minutes. Kelly becomes the 3^rd signing from the Bulldogs 2026 Priority Selection class joining 20^th overall pick Aiden Kelly & 31^st selection Finn Ellery. “We’re excited to add Kayden Kelly to the Bulldogs.” said Hyman. “We feel he has excellent skating ability, high-end puck skills, and a terrific shot. He has all the tools to develop into a very impactful player, and we believe he’s going to be a great Bulldog.”.

BULLDOGS NAME MIKE LYSYJ ASSOCIATE COACH

Reed Duthie — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:00:39 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations Spencer Hyman & Head Coach Michael Babcock today announced the hiring of Mike Lysyj as Associate Coach. Lysyj, from Hillsborough, NJ, brings experience at each of the collegiate, junior and professional ranks to Brantford. Beginning his coaching career in the 2014, Lysyj spent 4 seasons as an assistant coach at SUNY-Fredonia before moving to RPI as an assistant coach for the 2018-19 season. Lysyj moved to the Canadian junior ranks for the first time in the 2019-20 season, serving as an assistant coach for the WHL’s Everett Silvertips. Returning stateside in 2020, Lysyj took on the role as assistant coach for the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers. Lysyj’s first stay in the USHL earned him his first nod as a head coach with the NAHL’s Corpus Christi IceRays. Lysyj moved back to the USHL ranks in the 2022-23 season serving as assistant & then associate head coach with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders for three seasons. Lysyj’s talents were brought to the professional level for the 2025-26 season as he joined the ECHL bench of the Iowa Heartlanders as associate head coach, earning tremendous reviews from his players at every stop. Lysyj’s coaching experience is influcened from his playing experience that saw the Bulldogs new associate coach suit up for a pair of impactful American programs, first the New Jersey Rockets and then the South Shore Kings. The New Jersey native used his hockey talents as part of a four-year run with SUNY-Courtland where he earned a Bachelor’s Degeree in Kineseology followed by a Master’s in Sports Management while coaching at SUNY-Fredonia. Lysyj skated at the pro level for Peoria Rivermen and Mississippi Surge of SPHL and the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL. “Mike’s experiences throughout all walks of junior hockey, topped with his experience in pro, made him an ideal fit.” Said Brantford Bulldogs Head Coach Michael Babcock. “The more we talked, the more excited Spencer and I became about the potential. Mike will do a fantastic job developing our defense and elevating the standard of our staff.”.

BRANTFORD BULLDOGS ANNOUNCE HOCKEY OPERATIONS UPDATE

Reed Duthie — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:00:32 +0000

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the following updates to the team’s Hockey Operations. Gary Roberts has been promoted, the two-time Robertson & Memorial Champion & 1989 Stanley Cup Champion has been named Vice President of Hockey Operations. Roberts, widely regarded as the top performance, health and wellness mind in the game joined the Bulldogs prior to the 2025-26 season as a Sr. Advisor & Director of Player Development. The veteran of 1225 NHL games will now step into a larger role alongside Spencer Hyman in Hockey Operations. 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Brian Burke officially joins the Brantford Bulldogs as Sr. Hockey Operations Advisor. Burke brings an incredible hockey history to Brantford having been the Director of Hockey Operations for the Vancouver Canucks (1987-1992), General Manager of the Hartford Whalers (1992-93) & Vancouver Canucks (1999-2004), Executive VP & General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks (2005-2009), President & General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs (2009-2013), President of Hockey Operations with the Calgary Flames (2013-2019) & & Pittsburgh Penguins (2020-2023), winning a Stanley Cup in 2007 with Anaheim. Burke additionally has an Olympic Silver Medal as the General Manager for Team USA in 2010 & previously worked directed for the NHL itself as Director of Hockey Operations from 1993-1999. Assistant General Manager Justin Ismael will be joined by newly promoted Assistant General Manager Mike Galati, who remains Director of Scouting. Ismael will play a large part in overseeing Hockey Operations & Player Experience and will add Manager of Hockey Operations & Player Services J.J. Barrett, who will remain OMHA West Scout for the Bulldogs, while Galati will oversee the scouting department with Director of Player Personnel Adam Henrich & Head Scout Pete Goulet. Adrian Vilaca will remain with the team as sole Director of Player Development, the former star mixed martial artist has become one of the best in the athletic development field working with Gary Roberts. Vilaca will be joined by Bulldogs Strength & Conditioning Coach Luke Van Moerkerke who has spent the last three seasons with the Bulldogs and is regarded as one of the best in his field.

BULLDOGS SELECT NEMEC, CALCE & SALEN FORSEBERG IN IMPORT DRAFT

Reed Duthie — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:54:36 +0000

The Brantford Bulldogs made three selections in the 2026 CHL Import Draft on Tuesday, adding of trio of players who bring tremendous potential to Brantford in Adam Nemec, Max Calce & Vilmer Salen Forsberg to follow in a great history for the Bulldogs with Import selections.

Adam Nemec is lucky 13

In the first round of the CHL Import Draft, the Bulldogs used the 13th overall selection, which the club acquired from the Sudbury Wolves on June 16th, to select Adam Nemec from Bílí Tygři Liberec in the Czech Extraliga. The Czech captain at the U17 World Hockey Challenge and soon to be Hlinka-Gretzky has been outstanding coming up through the Czechia junior ranks. The Vsetin product captained his hometown club before moving to Liberec U17 for the 2024-25 season where, as a 15-year old, Nemec scored 26 goals & 30 assists for 56 points in 43 games, posting another 14 points across 12 playoff games. Nemec earned a call-up to the Liberec U20 side where he posted 2 points in his first 2 games at that level. In his 16-year-old season, 2025-26, Nemec began the season at a blistering pace at the U17 level scoring 9 goals & 14 assists for 23 points in just 16 games. Earning the full-time call-up to the U20 level, the 6'1"/175 left winger struck for 23 goals in 33 games, adding 11 assists for 34 points. Nemec proved his big game ability returning to the U17 side for the playoffs leading Liberec in goals & points with a 9-7-16 line in just 9 playoff games. Representing Czechia on the international stage, Nemec scored a pair of goals in 4 games at the U17, posting 17 goals & 9 assists for 26 points in 22 games across all international U17 competition.

German Engineering at 57 with Max Calce

With the club's second pick of the opening round, 57th, and seeing some high profile graduations at the center position, the Bulldogs added one of the most talented 2009-born centers in the world in Germany's Max Calce. From Mannheim, Calce has come through the ranks with hometown club at a blistering pace, making the U17 level as a 14-year old in the 2023-24 season where posted 29 goals & 26 assists for 54 points in 34 games, leading his team in every offensive category, which Calce followed up in the playoffs where he again led the team in goals & points with 7 goals & 4 assists for 11 points in 8 games. Calce made another jump as a 15-year old in the 2024-25 season, moving to the U20 level, playing against competition up to 5 years older and still proving a dominant force. Calce collected 22 goals & 28 assists for 50 points in 41 games before leading his team in goals and finishing 2nd in points in the playoffs with an 8-6-14 line across 11 games. The 6'1"/185 centerman opened the 2025-26 season at the U20 level striking for 12 goals & collecting 11 assists for 23 points across 17 games which earned him his biggest move yet, debuting for Adler Mannheim as a 16-year old. Calce wouldn't let the opportunity out of his hands, becoming the youngest player to ever score a goal in the DEL, the top hockey league in Germany, posting a pair of goals across 14 games as the youngest player in the league, even getting into a pair of playoff games. Calce returned to the U20 level in the post-season and returned to dominant form, scoring 6 goals & 4 assists for 10 points in 9 games to lead Jungadler Mannheim U20 to DNL U20 Championship. Internationally, Calce who is expected to be the German captain for the 2026 Hlinka-Gretzky Tournament, has already represented Germany in the 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky & a pair of World U18 Championships posting 4 goals & 3 assists for 7 points in 10 games.

The Viking Arrives; Vilmer Salen Forsberg selected at 62

The Bulldogs third and final selection came at 62nd overall, a pick acquired from the Oshawa Generals on June 10th, where the Bulldogs solidified their goaltending corps with towering Södertälje, Sweden product Vilmer Salen Forsberg. Standing 6'6"/235 Forsberg will become the first import goaltender for the Bulldogs, the biggest goaltender in Bulldogs history and the first Swedish player to suit up for the club upon his debut. Playing for his hometown Södertälje SK club, Forsberg has excelled in the J18 Region Competition as a 15 & 16-year old with a 2.05/.913 line in 24 games at the level carrying a 17-6-0-0 record. Södertälje SK struggled as a club at the J18 Nationell level though Salen Forsberg continued to provide his club a chance to win over his past two seasons posting a combined 3.40/.894 line but dominated after willing his team into the post-season at the Nationell level with a 2.60/.903 line in 6 playoff games as a double-underage player. The presumptive Swedish starter for the 2026 Hlinka-Gretzky has earned a call-up to the vaunted Swedish U20 league in each of his 15 & 16-year old seasons showing his potential in both stints, going 2-2 with a 2.48/.890 line as a 15-year old in the U20 across 5 games and turning in a gem in his lone start at the U20 level as a 16-year old with a 2.34/.939 line. Salen Forsberg will combine with Maks Corovic to comprise one of the highest potential goaltending tandems in junior hockey.