Michael Babcock named head coach of the Erie Otters

Former Merrimack captain Michael Babcock was named the new head coach of the Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) on Friday. Babcock spent last season as an assistant coach with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls.

At 31 years old, Babcock becomes the youngest head coach in Brantford franchise history and just the sixth head coach the organization has employed.

After a stint playing professionally in Europe following his graduation from Merrimack, Babcock began his coaching career in 2021 at the University of Saskatchewan, where he also earned his MBA. In 2023, he served as a development coach for the Ottawa Senators and later spent two seasons as a skills coach with the St. Louis Blues before heading to San Diego last season.

“From the moment we began this search, our focus was finding the right leader to guide our players and our organization into the future,” said Brantford general manager Spencer Hyman. “Mike is a relentless competitor, an elite communicator, a gifted teacher, and most importantly, a tremendous human being. His passion for the game is infectious, his commitment to player development is unwavering, and his ability to connect with people is special. Mike embodies everything we believe a Bulldog should be. He will challenge our players, he will push our players, and most importantly he will care for our players. He will help them become the best versions of themselves both on and off the ice.”

Babcock will coach Merrimack commit Jack Good next season. Good played in the BCHL this past season but was traded to the Bulldogs earlier this week. His OHL rights had previously been held by the Erie Otters.