Vince Laise will be joining Jay McKee’s staff behind the Bulldogs bench, the team announced on Monday, September 9, 2024.
It’s a homecoming for Laise, who rejoins the Bulldogs franchise where he was part of the 2018 OHL Championship team, the Bulldogs first Robertson Cup. Joining the Bulldogs in 2016, Laise has held the position as Assistant, Associate and Head Coach, and has compiled a Bulldogs’ coaching record of 129 regular season wins behind the Bulldogs bench. In joining Jay McKee (121 regular season wins), the Bulldogs have put the two winningest coaches in franchise history on the same bench.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to add Vince Laise to our staff. Vince has a long record of success in the Ontario Hockey League, visiting the OHL finals multiple times and capping it off with an OHL Championship with our Bulldogs in 2018,” said Jay McKee, Head Coach of the Bulldogs. “Vince exudes passion for the game and carries that passion into his teaching and development of our young athletes. As former co-coaches in the past, I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Vince once again.”
From Brampton, Laise brings a different view of the game to the Bulldogs bench having played at the Univeristy of Maine before joining the coaching ranks. Laise is very familiar with head coach Jay McKee, having worked alongside one another with the Erie Otters during the 2014-15 season. Following his time with the Bulldogs, Laise spent two seasons with the Otters again as an Assistant Coach before joining the Mercyhurst University staff for the 2023-24 season. Already bringing over a decade of coaching experience back to the Bulldogs, Laise will look to win a second Robertson Cup in Black and Gold.
“The Brantford Bulldogs are very happy to welcome Vince and Annie, as well as their daughters Stella, Violet and Ruby back to the Bulldogs family.” said Matt Turek, General Manager of the Bulldogs. “We know the wonderful people the Laise family are and are excited for the Brantford community to get to know them as well. Vince’s record as a coach speaks for itself, his grasp of the game and his commitment to his players is second to none. Having another opportunity to work with Vince and see him help to guide another generation of Bulldogs is something the players and fans should all be very excited about.”
