CONTACT – Wasagariverdragons@gmail.com
Owners breathe fire into new Wasaga hockey team’s nickname
Greater Metro Hockey League’s Wasaga River Dragons will host a prospects camp in late April
BarrieToday StaffMar 8, 2024 5:05 PM
The Wasaga River Dragons are joining the Greater Metro Hockey League as the town’s first-ever junior A hockey team.
Season tickets are now available for all 20 regular season home games, which will happen on Tuesday nights at the new Wasaga Stars Arena, with a 7 p.m. start. To purchase season tickets, contact WasagaRiverDragons@gmail.com.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our community’s top young players to develop their skills close to home, and help bring our community closer together to watch, support and celebrate their hard work and success,” Mayor Brian Smith said in a news release.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in our name the team contest,” said club owner Brandon Billie, who also owns the Bradford Bulls. “The amount of public interest and participation was incredible and we feel so grateful for such a warm welcome to Wasaga Beach. We’re excited to get started and we can’t think of a better name.”
Two of the 239 name ideas the town received included reference to the Nottawasaga River, one proposed Ice Dragons and one proposed River Dragons.
While the individuals who submitted these Nottawasaga River and dragon-inspired name ideas will receive free 2024-25 season tickets, the winning submission sparked more than just a name. In vetting the name, it created a new partnership.
“The Wasaga River Dragons name makes sense for our club because of the Nottawasaga River that runs through the town of Wasaga Beach – and because of an exciting new partnership,” said Billie.
The team owner said the Wasaga River Dragons will partner with the Columbus River Dragons minor pro league team based in Columbus, Ga.
“This will strengthen our organization,” he added. “It means that our Wasaga junior A hockey club will be able to offer graduating players opportunities to play both college and professional hockey.”
On Friday, the club also announced the date for its spring prospects camp, which will take place from April 26-28 at the Stars Arena, located at 544 River Road W., in Wasaga Beach.
The club is putting out a call for sponsors as well as individuals and hockey fans in Wasaga Beach and the surrounding area who may be interested in supporting the new franchise through the following paid and volunteer opportunities:
- Director of marketing
- Medical trainer for game days
- Team photographer for home games
- Ticket sales for home games
- Timekeeper for home games
- PA announcer/music for home games
- Head of game-day operations
- Billet co-ordinator
- Billet homes for out-of-town players.
For more information, contact WasagaRiverDragons@gmail.com.
