QMJHL's Saint John Sea Dogs focus on fan engagement during their rebuild.
Sixteen months after winning the 2022 Memorial Cup on home ice at TD Station in Saint John Sea Dogs President Trevor Georgie understands the importance of fan engagement while remaining competitive despite being in the second year of a rebuild.
“Our fans have been through it enough with rebuilds. They understand it. They get it. They’re a smart fan base. We’re willing to suffer the lows of lows to get to the highs of highs. This season, we don’t want to get back to that point of those real lows. If you look at our group, we’re in all the games. There’s a lot of players who are really stepping up. I think every game is going to be a hard win for the opposition.”
In an attempt to keep attendance numbers up, the Sea Dogs have announced several acts to perform at their home games that will surely keep the fans entertained on and off the ice.
Four-time Juno Award winning Canadian rapper and Canada’s Got Talent judge, Kardinal Offishall, kept the crowd on its feet during the first and second intermission of a game against the Moncton Wildcats October 21st.
A Taylor Swift Tribute will take the stage at the TD Station November 13th as Saint John hosts the Cape Breton Eagles. A performance Georgie says will be beneficial for the organization.
“We’re seeing a huge response from the female demographic. They’ll be able to see a musical artist that’s really unattainable for most. We’re trying to create opportunities for other folks who don’t naturally engage in hockey to come and support. People have options. It’s a tough economy. We have to get creative. We’re in the entertainment business.”
On the ice, the Sea Dogs are focused on the future with 16-year-old rookies Egan Beveridge and Benjamin Amyot impressing early in their junior careers. Saint John is a young team who will only get younger with the addition of two first-round picks at next summer’s QMJHL Draft acquired via trade from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and the Gatineau Olympiques.
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