Brantford signs Matthew Hlacar to a deal following QMJHL training camp
The Brantford Bulldogs have announced the signing of forward Matthew Hlacar to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement.
Hlacar, 20, has spent the past two seasons with the Kitchener Rangers before leaving as an overager, having first joined the QMJHL Saint John Sea Dogs for the team's training camp.
After not inking a deal with the Sea Dogs following training camp, Hlacar was skating with the Bulldogs, with a deal finally announced Wednesday by the club.
Hlacar was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, 217th overall. The Leafs relinquished the signing rights to Hlacar in the offseason, leaving Hlacar eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, where he went undrafted.
Hlacar had six goals and 12 points for the Kitchener Rangers in 51 games last season, along with 91 penalty minutes. Hlacar appeared in 15 games for Kitchener in the OHL playoffs, although did not appear in their finals win or for the Rangers Memorial Cup win.
A physical shutdown forward, Hlacar was noted as one of the OHL's most aggressive and intimidating players, but also one of it's most chaotic with multiple suspensions throughout his career.
In a statement, Bulldogs general manager Spencer Hyman welcomed Hlacar, praising the forward as someone who can bring an "element of toughness" to the club and veteran experience.
We’re excited to add Matt Hlacar to our group. Matt brings a physical presence and an element of toughness that we believe will be extremely valuable for our team. He’s a protector and a heavy power forward whose presence will allow our young, skilled players to play with confidence. At the same time, we believe there’s more offence in Matt’s game, and we’re excited to give him the opportunity to contribute at both ends of the ice.
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