The new era of the Brantford Bulldogs is starting off with some big news.
Following the acquisition of the team by a group led by Zach Hyman's family, it was announced on Wednesday that the Ontario Hockey League team had signed a 15-year agreement with the city of Brantford to play in a proposed new arena.
According to Kevin Davis, the mayor of Brantford, the deal secures the team with an initial deal of 15 years and comes with five, five-year renewal terms, bringing the possible total to a 40-year lease.
"We are very pleased to announce today that we do have a memorandum of understanding with the Bulldogs organization, negotiated originally with (previous owner) Michael (Andlauer), and finally with the Hymans, that secure the Brantford Bulldogs' future here in Brantford as the anchor tenant in our proposed sports and entertainment centre," Davis announced at an introductory press conference for the team's new ownership group.
The Bulldogs were sold by Andlauer to a group led by the Hyman family earlier this week, with the OHL's board of governors approving the deal on Monday.
Andlauer, who also owns the Ottawa and Belleville Senators, had owned the Bulldogs for the last 10 years. The team relocated from Hamilton to Brantford in 2023 over disagreements between the city and the team about renovations at First Ontario Centre.
"I'm very proud of our city, what we've done over the last two years working with Michael (Andlauer)," Davis said on Wednesday. "We have proven that we are a destination for OHL hockey and I think we've proven that beyond any doubt. And so with this week's announcements, I'm confident that the Bulldogs will continue to grow, thrive and contribute to our city's vibrant community for years. Not years, decades."
The team currently plays at the aging Brantford and District Civic Centre, which has a capacity of 2,952 spectators, according to the city's website. The OHL says the new ownership group is pursuing a long-term lease agreement with the city that would include plans for a new arena — a $140-million arena complex to open in 2027.
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