Wasaga Beach has been announced as the new home for a Greater Metro Hockey League (GMHL) Junior A hockey team that will arrive next year.
The team, that is yet to be named, was unveiled by Mayor Brian Smith at the recently constructed twin-pad Wasaga Stars Arena on River Road West. He stated that the new team will help bring through new local players.
Mayor Smith said: “Hockey stirs an incredible passion within the Wasaga Beach community. Our residents have longed for a local team they could rally behind, and it was a priority for the council to make this happen. It builds morale in the community and builds that spirit that the community has tenfold.”
He added: “This team will serve as a catalyst to unite our community as we collectively cheer, support, and celebrate their efforts and achievements,”
GMHL’s Bradford Bulls owner Brandon Billie has been granted ownership of the new team after confirming the $70,000 expansion fee needed.
“We want to be involved in the community and have a lot of Wasaga Beach born players that want to come here and develop and grow hockey in the community.” Billie told reporters.
A landmark GMHL match between the Bradford Bulls and the Meaford Knights is slated for February 12 at 7 pm at the Wasaga Stars Arena as part of the Town’s Breaking the Ice Festival.
Tickets are priced at $10 and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds from ticket sales of the game will go towards supporting the Wasaga Beach Minor Hockey Association.
Furthermore, on February 12, the Town will launch a naming contest for the newly-formed Junior A team. The contest aims to involve the community in choosing a fitting name that embodies the spirit and identity of Wasaga Beach.