Wasaga Beach has announced a new Greater Metro Hockey League (GMHL) team will be playing out of the town's new arena, which is opening soon.
Mayor Brian Smith shared the news from centre ice Wednesday at the new arena, which includes two "NHL-size" rinks.
The GMHL awarded current Bradford Bulls owner, Brandon Billie, the new team. No name for the team has been announced.
The Bradford Bulls are part of the same league, along with other local teams including the Meaford Knights, Tottenham Railers and the North York Renegades.
Teams in the league go as far as Quebec.
“We are excited to announce that the Town of Wasaga Beach is now the proud home of a yet-to-be-named Junior A hockey team," Smith said in a release. "This team will be playing their home games out of the new Wasaga Stars Arena, right here at 544 River Rd. W., in Wasaga Beach.
"There's amazing passion for hockey in the Wasaga Beach community," he added. "Our residents have wanted a local team to identify with for a long time, and council made that a priority. Today, our passion and persistence has paid off."
The first GMHL game on the new ice at Wasaga will be Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., featuring the Bradford Bulls against the Meaford Knights.
Tickets will be $10 per person with all proceeds going to the Wasaga Beach Minor Hockey Association.
This will also be the night the town launches a naming contest for the new Junior A team.
Starting this spring, there will be a special prospects tournament to allow coaching staff and the team's general manager to identify local players ready to join a Junior A team.
Play begins in September.
