OXFORD – Junior league hockey is running strong in Cumberland County and its Junior C division is receiving a face-left, announcing a new, full-time sponsor, name and base of operations.
Playing out of Tatamagouche and Oxford as the North Shore Storm, when the puck is dropped on the 2010-2011 season the Jr. C team will be reborn as the Oxford Tim Horton Jr. Colts, making the blueberry capital of the world their permanent home. The move, Jr. C executive’s Mouser McManaman says, is a solid decision for players and fans alike.
“It was too hard playing two rinks in two towns. It affected the fan base,” McManaman says. “We’re pleased Bud Anderson has agreed to be the sponsor and I’ve seen a lot of the renovations to the Oxford arena and this gives us a chances to showcase those improvements.”
With strong Jr. A and Jr. B teams playing in Cumberland County, the Jr. C league, McManaman says, rounds out the region's hockey offering. Not everyone has the time to meet the long-term commitments of the B and A leagues, making Jr. C a calling card for those who love the sport but have other life commitments or are looking for a launching pad for their career.
“I’ve seen a lot of kids move on to Jr. A and B and I’ve seen a lot of kids who wouldn’t have time if there wasn’t a Jr. C. league. Some players are going to university or their workload won’t let them take on the Jr. A and B responsibilities so we keep them in the game.”
The Colts announced Paul Atkinson will take the head coach position in 2010 and a gold tournament to drum up funds and publicity is slated for July 17, at Bacon's Par 3.
Sponsor Bud Anderson, owner of the Oxford Tim Hortons, says he’s excited to have his business behind the Colts as the team writes a new chapter in its Jr. C history.
