HAMILTON — The Hamilton Bulldogs have fired head coach and general manager George Burnett after one season with the club.

Burnett, a 26-year coaching veteran, was brought on board before the 2015-16 Ontario Hockey League season as the team relocated from Belleville to Hamilton.

The Bulldogs struggled in their first season at FirstOntario Centre, posting a 25-35-8 record and finishing four points behind Oshawa for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

"I want to thank George for his contribution to the Bulldogs in our inaugural season in Hamilton," team president Steve Staios, who will take over as general manager, said in a statement. "George is a man of integrity and class, and we wish him well in his future."