The Saanich Predators have revealed the teams’ new logo and colours ahead of their first game of the season tonight.
In early July, the owners of the Saanich Braves, a local Junior B hockey team, announced they would be changing the club’s name out of respect for Indigenous communities.
Ownership said they believed the former name was not respectful to First Nations peoples and does not reflect the relationships the team holds with “local First Nations communities or with our First Nations players.”
On September 22, after 53 years known as the Braves, Saanich’s Junior B Hockey team revealed their new name; the Saanich Predators.
“Our final decision to choose the Saanich Predators was made mainly because of the feedback we received from the local hockey community and our players,” said Edward Geric and Norm Kelly, team owners.
Other potential team names that were considered included the Saanich Squid, Saanich Defenders and Saanich Riptide.
The newly named VIJHL Junior B Hockey team released their new branding today, which features a breaching orca breaking a hockey stick.
Designed by team sponsor Array Web & Creative, the 3-D image includes the team’s new colours of teal, black, white and grey.
The @SaanPredators (formerly Saanich Braves) have revealed their new logo and team colours — what do you think? #victoriabuzz #yyj @victoriabuzzes pic.twitter.com/M8xFEpXGur
— Mike Kelly (@mikevicbuzz) October 2, 2020
“We explored a lot of options for the logo and the orca came out on top every time. It’s a connection to where we play and a strong symbol that the guys are all very excited to wear on their gear,” said Geric and Kelly.
“We’re very excited to start playing under our new banner. We want to give a big thank you to the league, the players and the community who have all been so helpful and supportive in this process of reinventing our brand, while celebrating our 52-year history of excellence in amateur hockey.”
The VIJHL got its season underway yesterday with a new cohort system. There will be no spectators, however, hockey fans can watch the Saanich Predators first home game online.
The Predators will be playing against Kerry Park at Pearkes Arena tonight. Warm-up begins at 6:00 p.m. and the puck drops at 6:30 p.m. Friday night.
With files from Seanna Wainman
