FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Yarmouth Jr A Hockey team has been acquired by coach Laurie Barron, assistant coach, John Murphy, team business director, Jared Purdy and local Barrister, Alex Pink. Laurie Barron, a three-time MHL Coach of the Year recipient with 40 years’ experience as a player, coach and GM, 16 of those years with the Yarmouth Mariners. As team coach, Barron has successfully taken the popular team to the playoffs 15 times winning 7 regular season titles and 5 division titles for Yarmouth jewel. The transaction is pending league approval.
The combination of team management, administrative and legal talent of the group will guarantee the future success of the team and add stability to the team for years to come.
2022 marks 20 years for the Mariners. In 2010 the team was acquired by the owners of Tri-Star Industries, Keith Condon and Mitch Bonnar and in 2019 Bonnar took control of 100% of the team. “We are thankful Mitch has granted this opportunity and are excited about delivering a new look and building a successful team for the fans in the upcoming months.” Stated Coach Barron.
Since 2010 attendance peaked to an average 1250 per game giving the Yarmouth Mariner’s the record for one of the highest attendances for the Maritime league. With the advent of COVID and restrictions on attendance and limited travel, attendance has dropped. In the most recent season, it has returning to an average of 850 per game.
“We are confident our returning roster along with our new players will make a quality team to fill the seats in the arena.” Says Barron.
“The new ownership group will be developing plans for new events and price structure for the many loyal fans as a reward for their long-time support. Stated Jared Purdy, spokesman for the group.
In 2012 and 2013 the Mariners hosted the World Junior A Challenge putting Yarmouth on the world stage for the event two years in a row, a first for Hockey Canada. An economic impact study revealed that the 2012 event alone had a 2.4-million-dollar impact for the Yarmouth area alone, and a 4-million-dollar impact province wide.