Bulldogs Make History with Female Goalie Draft

This week, the Brantford Bulldogs achieved a milestone in Ontario Hockey League (OHL) history by selecting goaltender Sophie Jovanovic during the league’s U18 Priority Selection.

The Toronto goalie was picked in the second round, 40th overall, on Monday, making her the first female player ever chosen through the OHL’s U18 selection process.

At just 17 years old, Jovanovic is only the second female player ever drafted in any OHL draft. Goaltender Taya Currie was selected in 2021 by the Sarnia Sting in the 14th round of the league’s priority draft that mainly focuses on players younger than 16.

The U18 Priority Selection started in 2017 as a dedicated draft for players who weren’t previously picked in the OHL Priority Selection.

On their website, the Brantford Bulldogs stated that Jovanovic is “widely seen as part of the future of the Team Canada program; Jovanovic will get an opportunity to earn her way towards more history in Brantford.”

In her own words, Jovanovic expressed, “I am extremely grateful and thankful to the entire Brantford Bulldogs organization for this opportunity. I want to thank everyone who has helped make this happen. I’m excited for what’s next.”

Jovanovic found out from former star Laura Fortino

Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman shared on the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) website, “we have seen her play all the way up, and we really liked her style. She is one of the best goalies in her age group and really, in the draft overall. We’re thrilled that we were able to get her.”

The CHL, which oversees OHL operations, reported that Jovanovic received news of her selection from Bulldogs Director of Player Development and assistant coach Laura Fortino. Fortino has been a longtime star with Canada’s national women’s hockey team and won gold with Canada in 2014; she also played on Italy’s women’s hockey team at the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.

Jovanovic said about receiving that call, “my God, it was, I don’t even know how to say it… it was just a very surreal moment. I’m just very grateful for the opportunity to get a call from her.”

The Bulldogs were based in Hamilton from 2015 until 2023 before relocating to Brantford due to $300-million renovations at their previous arena. In January 2025, team owners Zach Hyman-an Edmonton Oilers forward-and his family announced plans for them to remain in nearby Brantford, Ont.

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