Bulldogs acquire second overall CHL Import Draft choice from Petes
Big things are afoot in Brantford as the Bulldogs have clearly set their sights on a push in 2025-26.
The Bulldogs, who won an East Division title this past season, will have an opportunity to add an elite talent to their lineup on July 2nd, acquiring the second overall pick of the 2025 CHL Import Draft from the Peterborough Petes in a trade announced Wednesday.
The move did come at a cost as the Bulldogs sent Peterborough their second round Import Draft choice, a second round pick (Owen Sound’s) in 2026, along with third round selections in 2027 and 2028.
“We are thrilled to secure the second overall pick in the 2025 Import Draft,” said Bulldogs GM Spencer Hyman. “This opportunity positions us to add an elite talent to our roster, and we are confident that this player will make an immediate impact on our team’s success.”
The Bulldogs have had a great deal of success in the CHL Import Draft, bringing in such names as Jan Mysak, Jan Jenik, Marian Studenic, Artem Grushnikov, Adam Jiricek and acquiring a former selection in Tomas Hamara in recent years.
The Petes, for their part, have some plans of their own.
“We are excited about the roster that we are building for the upcoming season,” noted Petes vice president and general manager Mike Oke. “This move falls in line with some exciting announcements that we will be making in the coming days and weeks as we continue to strengthen our team for this year and beyond.”
The name of 2026 NHL Draft prospect Adam Novotny, who the Petes selected ninth overall in 2024, has been bandied about by online observers as a potential development. The 6-foot-1, 198Ib. winger spent 2024-25 playing in Czechia’s top professional circuit and represented his country at the World Juniors.
The Petes, who missed out on the postseason last spring, ended last season with blueliner Martin Matejicek and big defender Rio Kaiser occupying their import spots. Matejicek will be returning to Czechia for 2025-26 while Kaiser has signed on with EHC Munchen of the DEL, leaving Peterborough with three open opportunities on their roster.
