Hamilton Bulldogs 2022-23 Season Thread

[ColtsNLeafs]

With all due respect to Panwar, Brandt Clarke got robbed of POW......Look at his statline the last week.

 

[three dog night]

Looks like it official Bringing OHL's Bulldogs to Brantford 'right thing to do,' says team owner

 

[Jawk]

The most interesting part of the announcement, to me, are the 3 1-year options to extend past the 2nd season.

Obviously they want to protect themselves if the Hamilton building isn't ready for 25-26, but to me it sounds like if it's going well in Brantford and they can get a new building there, this also covers them for that.

 

[Canadian Game]

Interesting way for the arena announcement to be made, but I’m glad the speculation and uncertainty is done. I’d imagine the Bulldogs will soon announce it, or wait until it officially passes through Brantford’s city council in a week.

While it’s disappointing that the Bulldogs must leave FOC for at least 2 years, I felt excited by reading that the Bulldogs (Andlauer) are paying for much of the arena upgrades, and possibly all of it (if they stay only 2 years), and Brantford will benefit by getting new arena upgrades. After all, Andlauer publicly said in the past that he was willing to pay for most or all of a new arena himself in Hamilton. I think by keeping the team close to home and paying for those upgrades, it shows how serious he is about the team and the area, which also says a lot about Andlauer.

In terms of operations and logistics, Brantford makes the most sense since many of the players are mostly billeted around Ancaster, and staff can remain local. If the team went to Brampton, I was picturing the Bulldogs having to charter busses to and from Hamilton every game day for players and many more staff.

It will be different in Brantford, but I’m looking forward to it.

 

[Canadian Game]

The most interesting part of the announcement, to me, are the 3 1-year options to extend past the 2nd season.

Obviously they want to protect themselves if the Hamilton building isn't ready for 25-26, but to me it sounds like if it's going well in Brantford and they can get a new building there, this also covers them for that.

I never quite thought of the idea of this potentially setting them up to stay if things are going well. It’s an interesting thought.

With that in mind, it may add some leverage for the Bulldogs to negotiate a deal to return to the FOC. After a massive reno at FOC, I can’t imagine tenants would have the same lease agreement as they currently have. Meanwhile, Andlauer will have finished investing in another arena reno in a nearby city that was easy to work with. I’m not familiar with how lease negotiations work, but it appears Andlauer and the Bulldogs will be well positioned once the FOC is ready to host again.

 

[AttackSound]

Good news for the Bulldogs. Yes 3 years is a fair bit of time but in the long run if it allows the city of Hamilton to get the these massive upgrades this will allow for FOC to get their building up to snuff.

Brantford makes sense from a location point of view. I'm sure the whole thing of why Brantford had to due proximity for Bulldogs fans to go see them play more then anything but until the Bulldogs facility is up to OHL standards they would need a temporary home.

Best of luck to the fans watching the Bulldogs in Brantford for 2 seasons. FYI they will be playing in a facility that is comparable to Owen Sound’s Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre for capacity.

 

[Otto]

Steelheads watching this with interest I bet.

 

[Jawk]

Anyone that plans on going to Brantford next year should know that the arena is pretty easy to get to. Maybe 10 minutes off the highway.

Lots of parking in the buildings lot. Right next to the casino.

The area is a lot like the area around the FOC, just on a smaller scale to the size of the city. You'll see plenty of homeless and drug issues. It is about a 2 minute walk from their downtown core.

Steelheads watching this with interest I bet.

I am sure there will be lots of rumours and speculation until the dust finally settles. Really hoping they come back, but personally I have roots in Brantford and the ability to get there for games. Way better option than Brampton.

It's still way too early to say anything, but a redeveloped building in Hamilton will not sit empty.

 

[Hammer9001]

The most interesting part of the announcement, to me, are the 3 1-year options to extend past the 2nd season.

Obviously they want to protect themselves if the Hamilton building isn't ready for 25-26, but to me it sounds like if it's going well in Brantford and they can get a new building there, this also covers them for that.

Honestly, this is the biggest concern I have with this deal and may be a sign the Bulldogs move will be permanent.

"In the memorandum of understanding, the city will contribute $3 million from its “casino fund” to the arena upgrades, with the Bulldogs picking up the rest of the cost. If the Bulldogs decide to leave after three years, they will return the $3 million to the city."

That to me, seems like a steep penalty to pay, just to leave after you've stayed a year past the new facility's completion. Not that I would blame him if he did opt to go down that road. Then again, that might not be that large a sum to Andlauer, especially after three years and the team coffers likely contributing to the cost.

That said, I think Canadian Game is right about the leverage part, but frankly part of me can't help but think some other shenanigans are going to go down here with the new facility and Andlauer is smartly guarding against them.

 

[Jawk]

Honestly, this is the biggest concern I have with this deal and may be a sign the Bulldogs move will be permanent.

"In the memorandum of understanding, the city will contribute $3 million from its “casino fund” to the arena upgrades, with the Bulldogs picking up the rest of the cost. If the Bulldogs decide to leave after three years, they will return the $3 million to the city."

That to me, seems like a steep penalty to pay, just to leave after you've stayed a year past the new facility's completion. Not that I would blame him if he did opt to. go down that road. Then again, that might not be that large a sum to Andlauer, especially after three years and the team coffers likely contributing to the cost.

Yeah, there is a lot that can be read into any part of this deal. Even if you stay past the original deal and save 3 million, you can't play in that building forever.

So does Brantford pay all the costs of a new building and he waits for it?

What if Brantford asks him to pay 50% of a new building? Then sucking up the 3 million extra and coming back to a completed Hamilton building is way cheaper.

Just way too many moving parts to even guess. What if he wins the Ottawa bid and sells the Bulldogs?

I think that's the whole point of this deal, future flexibility.

This whole "3 year relocation" is a bit misleading as well. Half of '23, all of '24, and half of '25 may be "3 years", but it's not 3 seasons. Again, assuming building here is done on time and they come back.

 

[Hammer9001]

Yeah, there is a lot that can be read into any part of this deal. Even if you stay past the original deal and save 3 million, you can't play in that building forever.

So does Brantford pay all the costs of a new building and he waits for it?

What if Brantford asks him to pay 50% of a new building? Then sucking up the 3 million extra and coming back to a completed Hamilton building is way cheaper.

Just way too many moving parts to even guess. What if he wins the Ottawa bid and sells the Bulldogs?

I think that's the whole point of this deal, future flexibility.

This whole "3 year relocation" is a bit misleading as well. Half of '23, all of '24, and half of '25 may be "3 years", but it's not 3 seasons. Again, assuming building here is done on time and they come back.

I don't see why would wouldn't be able to play there for at least a while after the facility is upgraded, and you've been there six years, given Owen Sound seems to be able to make a go at it. Even then, a small expansion of the facility might not be that much.

I will agree about the Ottawa bid, that is a big question mark. Then of course the Steelheads are also a big question mark, as are in my eyes the Marlies since apparently Tim Leiweke is involved with the group. Say nothing of the new facility being used as leverage again. As you said, too many moving parts.

 

[Canadian Game]

I didn’t expect a name change, but it’s part of the agreement.



The first thing that comes to mind is when the Phoenix Coyotes changed their name when they moved from Phoenix to Glendale. It was part of the agreement with the city of Glendale to change the name to the Arizona Coyotes so that they didn’t have a misleading name. The difference with the Bulldogs is that this is meant to be a temporary relocation.

 

[Rounder8]

Is there not also a possibility that the team stays there and an expansion team comes to Hamilton or vice versa?

Obviously an owner would have to be found, but if Brantford becomes a viable option I have a hard time believing that the league and city of Hamilton won't want a franchise here.

 

[Jawk]

I didn’t expect a name change, but it’s part of the agreement.



The first thing that comes to mind is when the Phoenix Coyotes changed their name when they moved from Phoenix to Glendale. It was part of the agreement with the city of Glendale to change the name to the Arizona Coyotes so that they didn’t have a misleading name. The difference with the Bulldogs is that this is meant to be a temporary relocation.

If we want to be optimistic, I'd say it's just them realizing they have multiple years of selling merchandise to the locals that needs to be maximized.

The pessimistic response is that it's just the first step in permanent relocation.

 

[Otto]

Is there not also a possibility that the team stays there and an expansion team comes to Hamilton or vice versa?

Obviously an owner would have to be found, but if Brantford becomes a viable option I have a hard time believing that the league and city of Hamilton won't want a franchise here.

Not expansion... this is why I mentioned the Steelheads. Their lease is up at the end of the season. If they sign an extension for less than 5 years it wouldn't shock me if the Bulldogs stayed in Brantford and the Steelheads moved to Hamilton.

I said it in the realignment thread, expansion is probably off the board for at least another 5-10 years because of the financial losses due to the pandemic. Not too many people with deep pockets looking to take that risk.

 

[Hammer9001]

I didn’t expect a name change, but it’s part of the agreement.



The first thing that comes to mind is when the Phoenix Coyotes changed their name when they moved from Phoenix to Glendale. It was part of the agreement with the city of Glendale to change the name to the Arizona Coyotes so that they didn’t have a misleading name. The difference with the Bulldogs is that this is meant to be a temporary relocation.

I'm on the pessimistic side of this one, if the name is getting changed.

It's a weird thing to accept if the idea is a temporary relocation, just as the extra 3 years condition on the lease seems weird to me. This seems more like we are relocating, but leaving the door open to be wooed back, or go back if things don't work out here. It seems very clear to me Brantford's game plan is do everything possible to encourage them not to move back, as opposed to try them out and try to woo an expansion or relocation, but again, it's not like there are a lot of options here.

As a side note, hopefully the new First Ontario Center operators demand the Rock finally make that change if this precedent is getting set.

Anyways, I'd be interested to see what the official team stance and the league stance will be, but those cards won't be shown until the season is over.

At the end of the day, again, Michael Andlauer has been an exemplary owner who hasn't gotten the respect he has deserved from our city, and I can't fault him with whatever he decides, say nothing of what will happen should his bid for Ottawa succeed. I sincerely hope my instinct here is wrong, or at least if some relocation shuffle happens, Hamilton somehow manages to keep the Bulldogs name.

 

[The Mikestro]

Bulldogs Brantford Bound

According to various sources familiar with the Hamilton Bulldogs, the team will be moving to Brantford for the 2023-24 season. The move is subject to approval from the city council, which is expect…

michaelwilloughby52.wordpress.com

 

[Millpond]

Is there not also a possibility that the team stays there and an expansion team comes to Hamilton or vice versa?

Obviously an owner would have to be found, but if Brantford becomes a viable option I have a hard time believing that the league and city of Hamilton won't want a franchise here.

No

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

I think the Bulldogs are gone, sadly.

You don't rebrand like that if you plan to comeback. But thats just my guess.

I hope the HAMILTON Bulldogs come back but I won't support a team named Brantford Bulldogs. Different team in my opinion.

 

[Canadian Game]

I'm on the pessimistic side of this one, if the name is getting changed.

It's a weird thing to accept if the idea is a temporary relocation, just as the extra 3 years condition on the lease seems weird to me. This seems more like we are relocating, but leaving the door open to be wooed back, or go back if things don't work out here. It seems very clear to me Brantford's game plan is do everything possible to encourage them not to move back, as opposed to try them out and try to woo an expansion or relocation, but again, it's not like there are a lot of options here.

As a side note, hopefully the new First Ontario Center operators demand the Rock finally make that change if this precedent is getting set.

Anyways, I'd be interested to see what the official team stance and the league stance will be, but those cards won't be shown until the season is over.

At the end of the day, again, Michael Andlauer has been an exemplary owner who hasn't gotten the respect he has deserved from our city, and I can't fault him with whatever he decides, say nothing of what will happen should his bid for Ottawa succeed. I sincerely hope my instinct here is wrong, or at least if some relocation shuffle happens, Hamilton somehow manages to keep the Bulldogs name.

I’m not overly optimistic but I wouldn’t say I’m pessimistic about it either. Kind of on the fence while everything is fresh and details are coming out, but I’m leaning more on the optimistic side. 3 years (2 seasons) is a while away and anything can happen.

Regarding the name change, a few thoughts: did Brantford city council demand it? Is the name change to generate ticket and merchandise sales while they’re in Brantford, as Jawk brought up? Did the OHL dictate it? Is it posturing by Andlauer to show Hamilton city council that he’s been serious the entire time and/or to renew the lease at FOC?

I think all of the above are very possible reasons. Regarding the OHL possibly dictating the name change, I’m not a history buff, but I don’t recall a team that played in one location but held the name of another city. Maybe someone knows? I’d also be curious when it last happened?

Personally, I will still support the Bulldogs. The players and much of the staff will be the same. There’s no doubt that the crowd will be different. I think it’s fair to say Brantford (and area) residents will support them, and dedicated fans who are able (and willing) to commute. With 3,000 seats, I’m curious to see what ticket availability will be like for current fans who don’t buy Brantford season tickets. If they get strong season ticket support and single games become difficult to buy, then I may look at road trips. With OHL hockey returning to Brantford, I’m expecting the locals will want to take advantage of the opportunity to watch OHL hockey in their backyard, and also support the team with the hopes that they stay.

On the flip side, while the name change is a bit concerning, the opportunities and amenities that the FOC offers are huge. Significantly higher seating capacity, greater opportunity for hosting a Memorial Cup, better facilities for players (dressing rooms, training room, etc), and more. I do think Andlauer could be posturing to give himself leverage, but ultimately I think returning to FOC makes the most sense.

 

[AttackSound]

Is there not also a possibility that the team stays there and an expansion team comes to Hamilton or vice versa?

Obviously an owner would have to be found, but if Brantford becomes a viable option I have a hard time believing that the league and city of Hamilton won't want a franchise here.

Highly unlikely you'll see expansion back into Hamilton.

Unfortunately to the fans of the Bulldogs it will be a sad day on the horizon me thinks.

 

[Rounder8]

Highly unlikely you'll see expansion back into Hamilton.

Unfortunately to the fans of the Bulldogs it will be a sad day on the horizon me thinks.

Possibly, but when the arena reno is finally finished I have a hard time believing that Andlauer wouldn't want to play there over a 3000 seat arena in a league that is gate driven.

 

[Hammer9001]

Highly unlikely you'll see expansion back into Hamilton.

Unfortunately to the fans of the Bulldogs it will be a sad day on the horizon me thinks.

I wouldn't go that far. It's not like previous instances of the OHL in Hamilton where the team isn't breaking even. As far as I can tell, the team is doing above average attendance in an aged arena. Then add two high density developments planned that are within walking distance of the arena (the Booth Center replacement and the City Center redevelopment), one of which may contribute to cleaning up the area somewhat (as many people have expressed complaints about the Booth Center being right across the street) and I don't know if that's out of the realm of possibility.

It really just comes down to how much the operators of the updated First Ontario Center charge which may determine if Andlauer comes back or if another team sets up shop (I think the later though would be kind of an awkward spot, given many fan in Hamilton have been long time Bulldogs fans, and I'm skeptical Andlauer would sell the name in this scenario).

That said, I can't help but suspect given how they are starting the renos pretty much as his season begins, that the new owners are looking at another tenant or are doing something shady. As I said, I have suspicions regarding the Marlies, and I have suspicions of another half-baked NHL bid that will go nowhere and I have suspicions the developers are going to try to turn the arena project on it's head at the last second and have some kind of seedy contract stuff they negotiated with the last council. They also seem acutely interested in the Commonwealth Games which if that doesn't happen (as it shouldn't) might effect things.

 

[Generalsupdates]

Of the 5 teams going for the final 4 playoff spots in the East, the Bulldogs have the most games left vs teams under .500

 

[Jawk]

HUPEG out here saying it's everyone else that is being shady.

HUPEG addresses some of the Bulldog Criticisms over First Ontario Arena

This week the Hamilton Bulldogs announced plans to relocate to Brantford due to the renovations that will be taking place at First Ontario Centre starting later this year that are being carried out by HUPEG, the consortium who are taking over Hamilton’s entertainment facilities. In making the...

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