CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Charlottetown’s major midget team is rebranding.
The Charlottetown Bulk Carriers Knights replace the Pride, which replaced the Islanders three years ago.
Jamie Blanchard, who took over sole ownership of the franchise in July 2018, said he was looking for a fresh start.
“We wanted something the kids liked and a brand that’s kind of fresh and new,” he said.
“We were looking at changing it to Knights anyway and keeping the colours, similar to what they have in London,” he said, referring to the Ontario Hockey League’s Knights. “We got to thinking, we might as well just change it all.”
The ‘we’ is a group of business people who are committed to supporting a major midget team in the capital city for years to come. The newly formed board of directors includes Dunstan Carroll, Don Roper, Dr. Michael Mayne, Dr. Gordie Beck, Tyson Kelly, owner of Bulk Carriers; Keith Ford, Brian Ladner and Blanchard, who will serve as chairman and president. More directors are expected to be added in the future.
Blanchard said the Island has made a connection with the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, who are coached by Summerside’s Gerard Gallant and Shamrock native Mike Kelly.
Charlottetown’s new logo was released Tuesday afternoon.
“The logo is mean and athletic at the same time,” Blanchard said, noting it has a shield with three stars, representing the Island’s three counties.
He noted new jerseys are coming and will have a different design than Vegas.
While there are many changes being made by the franchise, there is a constant behind the bench. Luke Beck will be back for a fourth season with the squad, but he will have some new assistants this season.
The Pride went 12-21-2 in its inaugural season in the New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island Major Midget Hockey League, 17-13-5 in Year 2 and 17-17-1 last season.
