McNamara joins Bulldogs

Hamilton Bulldogs owner and chairman Michael Andlauer announced today that the club has appointed Bob McNamara as the organization’s new president and governor.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Hamilton Bulldogs organization and I want to thank Michael Andlauer for giving me this wonderful opportunity”, said McNamara. “I believe that the greater Hamilton area is a strong hockey market and I’m confident that with the commitment of our owners and the support of our community and corporate partners, season ticket holders and fans, we’re going to successfully build the Bulldogs’ brand and grow the already deep roots that the franchise has established in our community.”

McNamara added, “I’m really looking forward to leading our hard-working staff into what is going to be an exciting new era for the Hamilton Bulldogs”.

McNamara, 50, brings a wealth of hockey and business knowledge to the ‘Dogs front office after spending the past 15 seasons as the Grand Rapids Griffins general manager. During his tenure with the Griffins, the team enjoyed success both on and off the ice as they won two regular season championships, five division titles and enjoyed attendance increases in four of the past five seasons.

Prior to joining Grand Rapids, McNamara spent five years with the Cleveland Lumberjacks of the International Hockey League as assistant general manager and participated in all aspects of the business, from hockey operations to sales efforts.

“With his wealth of experience in both business operations and hockey operations in the American Hockey League, in addition to his intense passion, I’m confident that Bob is the right person to lead our staff as we move forward towards what is going to be an exciting time for both the organization and our fans,” said Andlauer.

A native of Toronto, McNamara earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Notre Dame in 1983 after playing for the Fighting Irish hockey team as its starting goaltender for four seasons. Upon graduation, McNamara signed with the National Hockey League’s Buffalo Sabres and spent three seasons with their AHL affiliate the Rochester Americans. He moved to the International Hockey League in 1986, spending two seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals, the second year as a player/assistant coach.

Bob and his wife, Kathy, have three children, daughter Alix, 23 and sons Daniel, 18 and Jake, 15.