NIAGARA ICEDOGS TO RETIRE FREDDIE AND DOUGIE HAMILTON’S JERSEYS
Historic ceremony set for February 7, 2027, at the Meridian Centre during Cogeco’s Hockey Day in the OHL
NIAGARA, ONT. – The Niagara IceDogs are proud to announce that the organization will retire the jerseys of brothers Freddie and Dougie Hamilton on February 7, 2027, marking the first jersey retirements in franchise history. The ceremony will take place before the IceDogs’ game against the Kingston Frontenacs at the Meridian Centre during Cogeco’s Hockey Day in the OHL at 7:00 PM.
“Retiring a jersey is one of the highest honours an organization can bestow, and to have Dougie and Freddie Hamilton recognized together makes this an incredibly special moment in Niagara IceDogs history, especially for the first jersey retirement. Their contributions to this franchise extend beyond what they accomplished on the ice. They helped shape the identity of this organization within the community, and their legacy will forever be part of our story. We are proud to honour the Hamilton brothers as the first players to have their numbers raised to the rafters,” said Wes Consorti, director of administration and chair of the Niagara IceDogs Alumni Committee.
The brothers played together in Niagara from 2009 to 2012, becoming an iconic duo both on and off the ice. Known for their close bond, the two did nearly everything together, building memories that extended well beyond their time in an IceDogs uniform. Their friendship continues to this day.
“It was a dream come true,” said Dougie when reflecting on the opportunity to play in the OHL alongside his brother. “We’re best friends, and I looked up to him so much, always trying to be like him. I wouldn’t be where I am today, the person I am, or the hockey player I am, without him. He blazed the path for me, and I followed in his footsteps.”
Freddie shared a similar sentiment.
“I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to play with my brother, and to be able to share all the fun experiences we had in Niagara, Calgary, and the World Juniors – things we dreamed about when we were little. Watching our jerseys go up in the rafters will be another special moment that will bring back so many great memories.”
Freddie was selected 14th overall by the IceDogs in the first round of the 2008 OHL Priority Selection, becoming the first-ever draft pick in franchise history. Joining the organization during its infancy, he played four seasons in Niagara from 2008 to 2012, recording 252 points (108 goals, 144 assists) in 258 regular-season games.
Beyond his on-ice contributions, Freddie distinguished himself academically and within the community. He graduated from Governor Simcoe Secondary School with a reported 99 per cent average, earning recognition as one of the region’s top students. He also received the OHL’s Ivan Tennant Memorial Award, presented to the league’s top academic high school player, and attended Brock University part-time.
Dougie was selected 27th overall by the IceDogs in the second round of the 2009 OHL Priority Selection. Over three and a half seasons in Niagara, he established himself as one of the most productive defencemen in franchise history, recording 187 points (40 goals, 147 assists) in 213 regular-season games.
His accomplishments included the CHL Defenceman of the Year award in 2012, the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year award in 2011, selection to the OHL First All-Star Team in 2012 and the OHL Second All-Star Team in 2011, and a place on the OHL Second All-Rookie Team in 2009–10.
The brothers also represented Canada together at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, winning a bronze medal alongside fellow IceDogs Ryan Strome, Mark Visentin and Jamie Oleksiak. That same year, both played key roles in Niagara’s run to the 2012 OHL Eastern Conference Championship, the first in franchise history.
Following their junior careers, both Hamiltons advanced to the NHL, establishing successful professional careers in different capacities.
Freddie was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round, 129th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He went on to play 75 regular-season NHL games with the Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames and Arizona Coyotes before retiring from professional hockey in 2018.
After his playing career, Freddie earned an MBA from Yale University and gained experience in private equity with Bolt Ventures. In June 2026, he was appointed chief of staff for the Toronto Maple Leafs, supporting strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives within the club’s hockey operations department.
Freddie also remains active in the Niagara community through Sport Niagara, a non-profit organization he supports alongside his parents.
Dougie was selected ninth overall by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He has since built a distinguished NHL career spanning the Bruins, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils. An NHL All-Star in 2020, Dougie is entering his 15th NHL season in 2026–27 and his sixth season with New Jersey.
Reflecting on his time in Niagara and the opportunity to help establish the franchise, Dougie said:
“It’s crazy how fast time has gone. With my brother, Freddie, being the first ever draft pick for the Niagara IceDogs, the whole thing was new for us and the city. Being a part of that first group of IceDogs to build the team in the city, the culture, just to be a part of that, was really special.”
Together, the Hamilton brothers helped establish the foundation of IceDogs hockey in Niagara. Their impact on the franchise, their connection to the community, and their accomplishments beyond junior hockey have cemented their place among the organization’s most significant alumni.
“There is something especially meaningful about honouring two brothers together. Dougie and Freddie share a connection to this organization and to each other that makes this recognition unique. Their numbers will serve as a permanent reminder of their time with the IceDogs and the family connection that has become part of our franchise history. We are proud to celebrate both and the lasting place they hold in Dog Country.”
Consorti added, “The first jersey retirement in IceDogs history deserves to be something truly special. Honouring Dougie and Freddie Hamilton together allows us to celebrate two important members of our franchise’s history while beginning a tradition that will endure for generations. Their numbers will never be forgotten in Dog Country.”
Fans can purchase tickets for this historic event online through BlockTickets or contact us by calling (905) 687-3641.
The Hamilton brothers. Forever a part of Dog Country.
