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New QMJHL team announced for St John’s

4 mins read

By Greg Locke

ST JOHN’S, NL – St John’s is getting another semi-pro hockey. The former Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League’s Acadie-Bathurst Titan is to be relocated to St. John’s for the 2025-26 season and with a new name.

In a news conference on Thursday the team announced that they will be called the Newfoundland Regiment in a tribute to the province’s military history and the famous Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

Obviously the team has gotten the buy in from the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment but the use of that name is bound to get some push back from from Newfoundlander who feel it disrespect the historic military unit.

Discussion on social media is split, like everything else, but those opposing it have called it crass and disrespectful.

PHOTO: Newfoundland Regiment Hockey Club President Glen Stanford,
Glenn Stanford. Long time hockey executive and organizer and President of the Newfoundland Regiment Hockey Club (File Photo)

“The name Newfoundland Regiment not only pays homage to the incredible legacy left by these brave soldiers but also embodies the values of courage, unity and resilience,” said Glenn Stanford, team president and long time hockey organizer and executive.  “We’re excited to bring these qualities to the ice and share them with our fans and community for generations to come.” 

The team investors that are known are John Harvey Patten, John R. Steele, and Jason Sharpe They acquired the team at the end of December and operate as SPS Entertainment.

The history of this team is long and it has been based in a few cities. It was foundied in 1969 and played in Rosemont, QC and Laval, QC. before moving to Bathurst, NB. in 1998. They have won six QMJHL titles and won a Memorial Cup championship in 2018.

St. John’s has had a number of hockey teams over the years. There has been the QMJHL’s Fog Devils who were moved to Montreal, QC in 2008. Before them were the American Hockey League’s St. John’s Maple Leafs (1991-2005) , St. John’s Ice Caps (2011-17) and the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers (2018-24)

That history of pro and semi pro hockey teams (plus a number of basketball team) coming and going begs the question of how long this team will last.

Over 170 Newfoundland and Labrador-born players played for a QMJHL team.

Hopefully the league, team and the City of St John’s have thing sorted and things will run smoothly this time after a history of conflict and accusation of poor management on all sides.

“The ownership group is solid, the arena is outstanding, and Newfoundland and Labrador fans love hockey. Starting next season, they will be able to watch an exciting and competitive team with a very bright future.” said Mario Cecchini, Commissioner of the QMJHL, 

The Newfoundland will be playing at the Mary Brown’s Centre in St. John’s.

You can find out more at their website.

 

 

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