Bridgewater is throwing its support behind Junior ‘A’ hockey.
The town has agreed to a partnership with the South Shore Lumberjacks for the upcoming 2017-18 season.
The town will provide the hockey club with $15,000.
Mayor David Mitchell says council recognizes the benefit of hosting the hockey team in Bridgewater.
“Friday night hockey in Bridgewater that arena with, between 800 and 1,200 people every Friday, it’s another thing to do in the community and brings people to the community. There is value in it beyond the economics of it.”
A report by JHT & Associates Consulting says the total economic benefit created by the Lumberjacks was $657,638 in 2016.
Mitchell says it’s a large amount of money and a partnership is the right move to make.
The head coach and general manager of the South Shore Lumberjacks says it’s a step in the right direction.
Kyle MacAllister says the partnership with the town is big news.
“It allows us to start working on more initiatives with a good base. We’re hoping that partnership can stay there annually.”
MacAllister says the town’s support shows they value the team in Bridgewater.
He says they’re hoping to attract multiple businesses to sponsor the team to help make the program sustainable.
Expenses for the Lumberjacks in 2015-16 totalled $496,245.60.
