Brantford Bulldogs head coach to lead Hamilton Hammers

Jay McKee, the head coach of the Brantford Bulldogs. (Source: Raine Hernandez/OHL)

The head coach for the Brantford Bulldogs is moving back to Hamilton.

Jay McKee was announced as the new head coach for the Hamilton Hammers on Friday.

He was hired by the Bulldogs on July 6, 2021, when the team was still based in Hamilton.

In 2023, the franchise moved to Brantford while Steeltown’s arena was undergoing a major upgrade.

The agreement was only supposed to last for three years but, in January 2025, the Bulldogs inked a long-term deal to stay in Brantford. A group, led by NHL star Zach Hyman, also took over as the new owners of the team.

In March 2026, the New York Islanders announced their affiliate team with the American Hockey League [AHL] was moving from Bridgeport, Conn. to TD Coliseum following its $300 million renovation.

They would also be renamed the Hamilton Hammers.

McKee’s appointment

McKee had an impressive five seasons with the Brantford Bulldogs. He had a regular season record of 213-91-30-6, for a .627 winning percentage. The team won three East Division titles during his tenure, including back-to-back wins in 2025 and 2026, as well as the Eastern Conference championship in 2022 and the franchise’s second J. Ross Robertson Cup.

“I’m beyond grateful for my time as head coach of the Brantford Bulldogs and for the great relationships that were built over the years. The great memories, experiences and friendships made with our players and staff with stay with me forever,” McKee said in a statement. “To the fans in the madhouse, thank you for providing our players with incredible motivation and support, you are the best! Lastly, thank you to ownership from myself and my family for treating everyone with such class and professionalism. I appreciate you all.”

The Brantford Bulldogs said their head coach will be missed.

“Jay McKee has left an incredible mark on the Bulldogs organization, the cities of Hamilton and Brantford, and everyone fortunate enough to know him,” General Manager Spencer Hyman said in a media release. “What Jay accomplished throughout his tenure as head coach goes far beyond wins and banners. He helped build a culture rooted in professionalism, accountability, toughness, and genuine care for people. He has impacted countless players, staff members, and families, not only as a coach, but as a mentor, leader, and role model.”

He described McKee as “humble, loyal, selfless and authentic.”

Hockey in Hamilton

Hockey has long been a part of Hamilton’s history.

The Vancouver Canucks affiliate played in Steeltown from 1992 to 1994, before the Bulldogs took over from 1996 to 2015. That team was an affiliate for the Edmonton Oilers and later the Montreal Canadiens.

In 2015, Michael Andlauer acquired the Belleville Bulls and moved the team to Hamilton where they were renamed the Hamilton Bulldogs, playing for the Ontario Hockey League. Andlauer was the one who later sold the team to the Hyman family.

With files from The Canadian Press