The Saanich Junior B Hockey team has officially chosen a new name for its club.
Moving forward, the team will be known as the Saanich Predators.
Earlier this summer, the club opted to drop its former moniker – The Saanich Braves – out of respect for First Nations. The Braves name and logo had been used since 1967, however, the team has made the decision back in July to develop a new name that aligns closer to the club’s core values.
According to the club, they have been taking public feedback over the last several weeks, narrowing an array of options down to a shortlist of three. The club’s decision came down to either the Saanich Squid, Saanich Defenders or the 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 in a press release issued on Tuesday.
“We also have very fond memories from our days of managing the Victoria Predators prior to this team. It reminds us of the many years of developing talented players and community connections around this fantastic sport. We’re so thankful to everyone that has taken the time to share their ideas and their support for this name change.”
Although the team name was revealed Tuesday, the team owners said that the Predators’ new branding and logo design is currently underway and will be revealed at a later date.
In a press release issued from Saanich Junior B Hockey, it reads that the new branding will focus on how the Saanich Predators will “play with honour, using stealth, strength and teamwork to thrive against their opponents.”
The team – a member of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) – opted to change names amid a bigger ongoing conversation surrounding racism in sports.
Fans and sponsors have called upon teams at all levels, and across a variety of sports, to consider name changes in instances of perceived racism.
Since the Saanich Junior B Hockey team announced their decision to change names, we’ve seen multiple clubs in a variety of leagues follow suit, including the NFL and CFL.
When the Saanich Predators will take the ice for the first time under the new moniker isn’t exactly clear due to COVID-19, however, an announcement about the VIJHL 2020/2021 season is expected in the coming weeks.
Graham Cox
