Bulldogs announce hockey operations changes, add Brian Burke and promote Gary Roberts

The Brantford Bulldogs have announced a series of changes to their hockey operations department, highlighted by the addition of Hockey Hall of Famer Brian Burke and the promotion of Gary Roberts to Vice President of Hockey Operations.

Roberts, who joined the Bulldogs prior to the 2025-26 season as Senior Advisor and Director of Player Development, expands his role after helping oversee the club’s player development program. A two-time OHL and Memorial Cup champion, Roberts also enjoyed a distinguished 21-season NHL career that included a Stanley Cup championship with the Calgary Flames in 1989.

Burke officially joins the Bulldogs as Senior Hockey Operations Advisor. The 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee brings decades of NHL executive experience, highlighted by a Stanley Cup championship with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 while serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager.

The Bulldogs also announced the promotions of Mike Galati to Assistant General Manager while remaining Director of Scouting, and J.J. Barrett to Manager of Hockey Operations and Player Services. Adrian Vilaca remains Director of Player Development, while Luke Van Moerkerke continues as the club’s Strength and Conditioning Coach.

The organizational changes follow the departures of assistant coaches Ryan Kuwabara and Owen Burnell.

Kuwabara spent the past two seasons behind the Bulldogs bench, helping guide the club to consecutive East Division championships while compiling a regular season record of 92-29-13-2 and a 17-9 playoff record.

Burnell departs after a decade with the organization in several roles. Originally a Bulldogs player from 2016 to 2019, he returned as Video Coach in 2023 before serving as Assistant Coach over the past season. During his time with the organization, Burnell was part of the Bulldogs’ 2018 OHL championship team and helped the club capture back-to-back East Division titles as a member of the coaching staff.