Grin & Bear It
Not so long ago, Paul Theriault made a prediction for the Bathurst Bears home-opener in the new Eastern Canadian Basketball League.
He wasn’t even close – and he couldn’t be happier.
“We’ve never had anything like this in Bathurst,” says Theriault, the team’s Manager of Business and Basketball operations. “Pro basketball is new here so we thought a good crowd might be in the 800 range, but we’re definitely looking at 2,500 or more so we can’t stop smiling about that,” he adds.
The Bears host the Saint John Union on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the K.C. Irving Centre. Spectators have been encouraged to arrive at 2:30 p.m. because a large pre-game show is planned. The Union beat the Bears 98-85 on Friday night in Saint John. Theriault expects the Bears to rebound with a home-court victory.
“Our guys are going to be ready – I know the fans are ready,” he says. “There’s a real buzz in northern New Brunswick about this team. People are excited about welcoming pro basketball to the region.”
The Bears have been busy off the court with open practices in Dalhousie and Miramichi, several school visits and other community appearances. Sunday’s pre-game festivities will include a traditional ceremony from Pabineau First Nation. Blessings on the teams and the season will be offered and there will be a smudging ceremony.
Bathurst entertainer Danny Boudreau will sing the national anthem. There will be a cheer squad and dancers, giveaways and other contests.
During half-time, young athletes wearing their team uniforms – not just basketball – will be invited to participate in a dance part on the floor with Wild Pitch, sponsored by Hospitality Days, will provide the music.
“It’s going to be a day to remember for a very long time,” Theriault said. “We’re all new at this and I’m sure there will be some mistakes, but we’re all working hard and doing the best we can. We all want to make professional basketball work in northern New Brunswick.”
Papa Johns
In 1984, Papa Johns Pizza started in the small town of Jeffersonville, Indiana, and its popularity has spread all the way to Atlantic Canada. Today, Papa Johns boasts over 3,600 restaurants and can be found in more than 35 international markets outside of the USA. In Atlantic Canada, we opened our first Papa Johns franchise in Moncton, operating under the name of PJ Atlantic Restaurants Ltd. in 2009. This was the first of many Papa Johns restaurants to be opening over the next few years to serve the Maritime provinces. We now have a dozen restaurants in the following areas:
639 Mountain Rd., Moncton
555 Dieppe Blvd., Dieppe
20 Plaza Ave., Saint John
528 Smythe St., Fredericton
133 McAllister Dr. Saint John
19 Babineau Ave., Charlottetown
1909 Mountain Rd., Moncton
269 Main St., Fredericton
94 Hampton Rd., Rothesay
540 Pinewood Rd., Riverview
961 Bedford Highway, Bedford
644 Portland St., Dartmouth
We believe in our brand’s heritage and commitment to quality. We believe that better ingredients really do make a better pizza.