Organizing committee chair Mark-Anthony Ashfield (left) and Saint John Sea Dogs general manager Trevor Georgie. (Image: Brad Perry)
There will be more than just hockey to check out when the Memorial Cup comes to town in just a few days.
On Tuesday, organizers unveiled the full list of events that are scheduled to take place during the tournament.
Mark-Anthony Ashfield, chair of the organizing committee, said a total of 12 major events will take place over 12 days.
“We really wanted this event to be one that our entire community could participate in and feel like they were part of the Memorial Cup. Out of that discussion and out of that thinking really came to our theme of One for All,” said Ashfield.
Events begin on Saturday, June 18, with the unveiling of two legacy projects — a ball hockey surface near TD Station and a new mural at the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village.
It also marks the beginning of a ball hockey tournament and the first of six themed street parties dubbed the One for All District. It includes a Youth Day, Father’s Day, LGBTQ+ Day, Francophone Day, Maritime Day, and Multicultural Day.
“The One for All District not only allows us a platform to speak about our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, but it also gives us an opportunity to showcase the incredible architecture and uptown businesses within a short walk of the host venue,” said Ashfield.
Also on Saturday is an open-air concert at the Waterfront Container Village dubbed the Port City Party, featuring Juno Award-winning band The Strumbellas.
The Arrival of the Cup will take place on Sunday with a parade from Long Wharf to the Waterfront Container Village. This year’s military jersey will also be unveiled.
Monday will see the start of Fan Fest and Bash on the Bay, along with Game 1 of the Memorial Cup.
Fan Fest, which takes until June 29 in Market Square, includes an exhibit from the Hockey Hall of Fame as well as the weeklong Speaker Series with speakers reflecting the One for All concept.
Bash on the Bay takes place at the Waterfront Container Village and will feature performers from across Canada, including Big Wreck, Alan Doyle, Classified, and Matt Mays. Performances are scheduled for either before or after game time.
On-ice skills sessions will be taking place throughout the week, run by elite male and female leaders including past and present personalities from the CHL and NHL. In addition, Olympic medalist Curt Harnett will host a bike rodeo and community bike ride on Saturday, June 25.
Ashfield said this will be the biggest Memorial Cup to ever be hosted anywhere in Canada.
“There have been bigger venues, there have been larger cities that have hosted the Memorial Cup, but in terms of things that are going to happen for the city, there has not been a Memorial Cup like this one,” he said.
