Rebrand: Saint John fans brace for the Riptide

The newly released Saint John Riptide logo. (Photo Credit: Saint John Riptide)

After nearly a decade of existence as the Mill Rats, the Saint John NBL Canada team has decided to change things up. Starting next season, it will be the Saint John Riptide who come out onto the court at Harbour Station.

Saint John's new name was chosen through a fan vote that allowed participants to pick one of five options or write in a suggestion. The team received hundreds of suggestions, but the nickname inspired by city's proximity to the Bay of Fundy—famous for its high tides—ultimately won the contest. Some other potential nicknames were the Celtics, Loyalists, and the Monkey Geese.

Scott VanWart, president and CEO of the team, described, "Whether it's from the fire, whether it's through economic things that have happened, our city has continued to be resilient and show that strength just below the surface and that's what I really love about our Riptide name."

It has been a rigorous offseason for the front office, and not just in signing new players. Team president and general manager Ian McCarthy stepped down in May after six seasons in Saint John and Manchester. He left the Mill Rats with 11 years of experience in minor league basketball. 

The Mill Rats also began looking for potential new owners in 2014, and only this summer did they find those willing to take up the job. VanWart, Mike Cormier, and Paul Vaughan were three of 21 Saint John natives who became part of the ownership group. 

The group was looking for a fresh start to the team after a poor finish to a promising season five, and there was no better way to do that than a rebrand. The Riptide logo brings a new feel to Saint John basketball while keeping the navy blue and gold associated with the Mill Rats.

Fans do not need to worry about gearing up for the upcoming season, either. The team has announced that they will donate the city's Mill Rats gear to charity while offering Riptide gear at a discounted price.