Yesterday, Spencer Heyman, brother of Brantford Bulldogs GM Spencer Heyman and Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Heyman, announced that head coach Jay McKee’s contract has been extended through the 2027-28 season.
McKee expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply thankful for the trust the Bulldogs’ owner has placed in me. I’m excited to continue coaching such talented players and share success with the passionate Brantford fans.”
McKee has been coaching the Bulldogs since 2021, leading the team to their best season in franchise history by winning the OHL Championship that year. The upcoming season will mark McKee’s ninth coaching year in the OHL, following his previous tenure as head coach of the Kitchener Rangers from 2016 to 2020.
As a player, McKee was a towering 6-foot-4 defenseman, competing for the Sudbury Wolves and Niagara Falls Thunder. Drafted 14th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1995 NHL Draft, he played over 800 OHL games across 14 seasons.
The Bulldogs face a challenging offseason, likely losing star forward Nick Lardis, a Chicago Blackhawks prospect. They also see the departures of Thomas Patrick, Ottawa Senators’ Thomas Hamara, and Thomas Budnick, who cannot return home. Additionally, the team must make tough decisions due to OHL’s age restriction rules, likely moving two players born in 2005.
Despite these changes, the Bulldogs retain a strong core including Chicago Blackhawks prospect Malek Banucker, 2025 NHL draft hopeful Jake O’Brien, St. Louis Blues prospect Adam Zilisek, Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Protes, and Buffalo Sabres’ Lean Leanders. This opens opportunities for younger players to step up and assume bigger roles.
If the Bulldogs add a few key players, they could reclaim the top spot in the Eastern Conference next season. With McKee’s leadership secured for three more years, the team gains stability and experienced guidance to stay competitive in the OHL.
Owner Heyman stated, “We are thrilled to extend Jay McKee for another three years. Jay is the best coach in the CHL, and choosing the Bulldogs shows his commitment. Our players, staff, and community are excited to have him leading the team moving forward.”
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Fan Take: This contract extension is a huge win for Bulldogs fans and the OHL at large, ensuring continued strong leadership and stability within the team. McKee’s proven coaching ability could inspire greater success and development of future NHL stars, making the Bulldogs a team to watch in the coming seasons.
