Saint John is now home to a one-of-a-kind facility for a growing sport.
The Knapper Center celebrated its grand opening Thursday, opening the doors on a new ball hockey facility in the McAllister Industrial Park.
It’s the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to ball hockey.
Knapper is a company that specializes in high-performance ball hockey equipment, sports innovation and facility management.
Knapper president Patrick Bazinet said choosing Saint John was an easy choice.
“We saw a community with momentum, strong leadership, passionate athletes and a strong appetite for sport and recreation facilities,” Bazinet told a small crowd.
“We also saw an opportunity to help create something that will have a lasting impact. Not just for hockey players, but for families, youth, women and the whole community.”
New Brunswick Ball Hockey Association president Gary Crossman called it an exciting day for Saint John.
“To officially open a facility like this in our city is something many of us in the sport have dreamed of for a long, long time,” he said.
Crossman, who is also the general manager of the Knapper Center, said it represents opportunity.
“It’s an opportunity for the young players to discover the game,” he said. “The opportunity for the athletes to develop their skills, an opportunity for Saint John to become a recognized hub of ball hockey in Atlantic Canada.”
Crossman said facilities are important, creating spaces where children build confidence, friendships, discipline and teamwork.
He said what’s been even more exciting is the response from the community.
“More than 400 kids have registered before programming has even officially begun,” he said. “Which says a lot for the appetite for the sport and the excitement around the facility.”
Mayor Donna Reardon said the city needs infrastructure for recreation and sports.
“We’re so proud that you chose Saint John for your location in the Maritimes,” Reardon said. “That’s a real feather in our cap.”
