Zach Hyman discusses purchase of OHL Bulldogs: 'Excited to be in Brantford'

Zach Hyman disappeared into an off-ice Cone of Silence for a few days, once news broke he and his family were buying the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs.

“I don’t like leaving people ‘unread,’” he said Tuesday, referring to text messages he couldn’t respond to until Monday, when the league officially announced the sale. “There was a bit of, ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ I couldn’t. But many of them were pumped. Curious. They wanted to learn more.”

His favourite? From the ex-teammate who sent a GIF from the phenomenal movie Training Day, where Denzel Washington tells Ethan Hawke, “The (bleep’s) chess, it ain’t checkers.”

Four former NHLers — Shane Doan, Jarome Iginla, Mark Recchi and Darryl Sydor — are part of the WHL Kamloops Blazers’ ownership group. David Legwand owns the OHL Sarnia Sting. But it’s rare for a current player to take on a large role, as Hyman will be Brantford’s President and Governor. His father, Stuart, will be CEO. Brother Spencer, with the most day-to-day impact, is COO.

“(The OHL’s) Executive Board doesn’t want absentee owners,” Hyman said. “Obviously, I can’t be around day-to-day during the season, so they wanted to know: ‘What’s your level of involvement?’” 

He will be the franchise’s ultimate decision-maker, a new step for him. The Hyman family — particularly Stu — has a long history in Toronto-area minor-hockey circles, but it’s the first time Zach’s made this much of a leadership commitment.

“One of best pieces of advice I’ve received is: A leader empowers people they trust to do their jobs, not look over them at all times.”

That’s why he wouldn’t pursue this path without his father and his brother. Stuart currently is Governor of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Markham Royals, while Spencer is President of Hockey Operations. 

“I was born into a hockey family,” Hyman said. “It is who we are. The OHL was a logical next step for us. For a long time, my dad looked into it, but it never worked out for us. Around this time last year, Spencer asked if we’d be comfortable if he could try again, go and look at opportunities. I told him he needs to be the guy with boots on the ground, running the show. He has the most knowledge of any of us.”

“I’m super-proud of how he handled this process. It makes me really happy to do this together. We’re all passionate about hockey.”

After Stuart and Spencer opened dialogue with then-Brantford owner Michael Andlauer (who also owns the Ottawa Senators), Zach joined the process in July, after his Edmonton Oilers faced Florida in the Stanley Cup Final. That’s when things got serious.

“Michael is very passionate about the Bulldogs and wanted the best things about them preserved. He was letting go of something he truly loved, and I have a lot of respect for that. He wanted to make sure we are committed to the city of Brantford. And we are.” 

Hyman wouldn’t get into details, but did confirm the new owners were in deep discussions with the city and Mayor Kevin Davis about a new lease in Brantford which would include the building of a new arena. That lease has since been agreed to. The Bulldogs will be the anchor tenant for a proposed entertainment centre in a 15-year agreement with an additional five, five-year terms for a total of 40 years.

“We are excited to be in Brantford long-term,” Hyman said.

While Stuart and Spencer Hyman have met the team face-to-face, Zach’s done it by zoom. And not just the hockey staff, but with those in “ticketing, marketing, the Brantford Bulldogs charitable organization, everything.”

What did the players say to you?

“I’ve been around long enough to know that in those kinds of meetings, nobody is going to say much. Obviously, I was disappointed not to make (Canada’s) Four Nations team, but the silver lining is I can go to Brantford and meet everyone in-person. I’m going to tell those players I’m thrilled to be joining them in their journey, helping them in any way I can.”

“And that I’m looking forward to playing with you — or against you — at the next level.”

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