Yesterday, Brantford Bulldogs GM Spencer Hyman, the brother of Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman, announced the extension of Head Coach Jay McKee through the 2027-28 season.
"I'm deeply grateful for the trust and responsibility the Brantford Bulldogs' owners have afforded me," said McKee. "I'm thrilled to continue working alongside such talented players and equally excited for what we'll achieve together with our amazing fans in the city of Brantford."
McKee has led the Bulldogs since being hired by the organization in 2021. That season, he coached the team to the best record in franchise history on the way to winning an OHL championship.
Next season will mark McKee's ninth season coaching in the OHL. Before joining Brantford, he worked as the Head Coach for the Kitchener Rangers between 2016 and 2020.
During his playing days, McKee was a 6-foot-4 defender who played for both the Sudbury Wolves and Niagara Falls Thunder.
The Buffalo Sabres ended up drafting McKee with the 14th-overall pick in the 1995 NHL Draft. He went on to play more than 800 OHL games over the course of 14 seasons.
The Bulldogs find themselves in an interesting situation this offseason. They will more than likely be without Chicago Blackhawks prospect and star forward Nick Lardis, as it seems likely he will join the AHL. They will also be without overage players Thomas Patrick, Ottawa Senators prospect Thomas Hamara and Thomas Budnick, who are ineligible to return.
Last year's team also featured five other 2005-born players besides Lardis. Due to the overage rules in the OHL, they will have to shed at least one of those players, and are more than likely to move two.
With that said, they have a very solid core that includes Chicago Blackhawks prospect Marek Vanacker, 2025 NHL Draft eligible forward Jake O'Brien, St. Louis Blues prospect Adam Jiricek, Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Protz and Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders.
There is also room for younger players and depth players to grab a bigger role higher up the lineup based on those players who are leaving.
If the team adds a few more big hitters, they will likely be a top team in the Eastern Conference once again next year.
With McKee at the helm, the Bulldogs have solidified the Head Coaching position for the next three seasons. He bring stability and expertise that will help the Bulldogs continue to compete with the other top teams in the OHL.
"We're thrilled to extend Jay McKee for three more years," said Hyman. "Jay is the best coach in the CHL, and make no mistake, he chose the Bulldogs. Our players, staff and community will be thrilled to know Jay is our Head Coach. We're grateful for his commitment and are excited for what's ahead."
