The Hamilton Bulldogs have announced head coach and general manager George Burnett will not return to the team following his first season in Hamilton, and team president Steve Staios will assume the role as general manager.

Burnett was the team’s first coach and general manager, having previously served in the same capacity with the Belleville Bulls prior to their move to Hamilton in 2015.
A 26-year coaching veteran, Burnett spent 11 years as head coach of the Bulls, and previously won the Calder Cup with the Cape Breton Oilers in 1993. Burnett also served as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers during the strike-shortened 1995 season.

The Bulldogs ended the season, their first in the OHL, in ninth place in the Eastern conference, four points behind Oshawa for the final playoff spot.

Speaking to TSN 1150’s Marsh and Milton, Staios said they didn’t want to rush any decisions after the season.

“When you come to a decision like this there’s more than just one factor. We took the time and respect the situation deserves and wanted to make sure we looked at all aspects of this move.”

Staios, who played 1,001 games in the NHL over 18 seasons for a variety of clubs, has served as team president since June 2015.

The former second round pick of the St. Louis Blues says they won’t rush into naming a replacement for the head coach.

“The priority is the draft. I feel very comfortable with our scouting staff, I’ve been able to go out and get a look at some of these players that are available for the draft. Orientation will be the next week,” Staios told Marsh and Milton. “I’ll open it up, the decision deserves to be looked at very carefully.”

“We’ll look for the best fit possible.”

The OHL Priority Selection goes this Saturday.