Good Morning, Saint John! Today is Fintastic Friday, which celebrates sharks and other finned sea creatures. Comforting reminder that one of the world’s known great white shark areas is sitting just down the road in Passamaquoddy Bay.
Here’s what else we’re circling this morning:
Your recycling era starts now 📦
Saturday nights back at the barn 🥊
Art walk or leg day uptown 🎨
Let’s get it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🔥 Flames hockey is back at LBR
The Saint John Flames are back. Maybe not the old AHL club that won a Calder Cup and packed Harbour Station in the early 2000s, but a new Senior A team that’s clearly aiming to tap into the same kind of Saturday night hockey energy a lot of locals still remember.
“The Saint John Flames name has been a staple to old school hockey in Saint John for a long time,” Nathan said. “We wanted to bring back a lot of people’s childhood memories. That was my first love for hockey. That’s what got me into it and embraced every second from the jock jams music to the jerseys.”
If the plan works, this won’t feel like polished arena hockey. Nathan says they’re leaning directly into the rougher-edged senior hockey atmosphere people grew up with at old barns around the region.
“You can expect that old school feel,” he said. “Loud music. Loud fans and definitely some intense hockey.”
The team says it’s targeting mostly local players from Saint John to St. Stephen, with former QMJHL, university, and senior-level talent expected in the lineup. Former Saint John Sea Dogs Memorial Cup champion Nick Blagden has already been announced as the club’s first signing.
Home games are expected to begin in October with Saturday night puck drops at the LBR. Season tickets are already on sale, and Nathan says early response has been strong as the team starts rolling out sponsors, players, and theme nights over the coming months.
“Let’s fill the LBR,” Nathan said. “Let’s bring the energy back. Let’s make Saint John hockey matter again.”
♻️ Apartment recycling could expand this fall
If your apartment building still treats cardboard boxes like decorative hallway furniture, that could change later this year.
Recycling is already required under the city’s solid waste by-law, and the city says the program gives building owners a simpler way to offer it. Registration is open until May 31, with service expected to begin Nov. 1.
The city is also encouraging tenants to ask landlords if they’ve signed up yet. So, if your landlord isn’t the most responsive, let them know the city is asking, or you could just leave some salty messages about them on social.
🏆 Top clicks of the week
Monday - SJ Today Municipal Candidate Guide
Tuesday - What’s living under the harbour?
Wednesday - Saint John Senior’s Resource Centre
Thursday - Friends of St. Peter’s Baseball Field
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
What we’re doing this weekend
Saint John Gallery Hop | May 8
The Saint John Gallery Hop returns Friday from 4-7pm, turning uptown into a walkable evening of local art, exhibits, and open studios. Galleries including Trinity Galleries, Tuck Studio, Cobalt Gallery, the Saint John Arts Centre, and more will stay open late, with most stops within easy walking distance and a few locations running extended hours into the evening.
Wand Works at the City Market | May 9
Saint John musician Ron Maloney brings his one-man-band setup to the City Market Saturday, performing live vocals and keyboard alongside backing tracks while shoppers make their way through the market. His set pulls from decades of music ranging from the 1940s through the 1980s, mixing easy listening, country, classic hits, and old-school rock and roll into a relaxed Saturday soundtrack downtown.
Mother’s Day Maker Workshop | May 9
Kids can spend Saturday afternoon from 1-4pm creating handmade Mother’s Day gifts during this beginner-friendly sewing workshop, where participants will make projects, wrap them on-site, and leave with cards and surprises ready for Sunday morning.
Wintersleep | May 9
Nova Scotia’s Wintersleep takes over the Imperial Theatre Saturday at 7:30pm, bringing the atmospheric sound and massive live energy that helped turn them into one of Canada’s best-known indie acts. From Letterman to playing with Peal Jam in NFLD, this is one of Atlanic Canada’s best bands.
Yoga on Tap | May 9
Yip Cider hosts this guided yoga session Saturday at 2pm, pairing a one-hour all-levels class with a complimentary draft cider or beer afterward. The class is led by Melissa from Zenful Counselling & Yoga and is designed as a relaxed kickoff to Mother’s Day weekend.
Queen Square Farmers Market Opening Day | May 10
The Queen Square Farmers Market opens its outdoor season Sunday from 9am-2pm, bringing local vendors, baked goods, produce, and community traffic back to the south end square for weekly Sunday markets.
Afternoon Tea in the Atrium | May 10
Market Square hosts this Sunday afternoon tea from 2-4pm in the atrium, with guests enjoying tea, snacks, and a mimosa in a dressed-up setting hosted by The Write Cup. Tickets are $35 and available while quantities last.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸
📍 On Wednesday we shared this picture of a pile of lumber somewhere uptown. Of course we’re thrilled that patio season has officially arrived and clearly we’re not alone... Shout out to Edgar D., Justin L., David C., Leah S., Jayne J., Paula E., RES., and Scott H. for all knowing this was the Britt’s patio going up.
Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
🌅 6:03am | 🌇 8:39pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 4:50 AM(Fri 08 May) | 7.1 m(23.3 ft) |
Low Tide | 11:11 AM(Fri 08 May) | 1.86 m(6.1 ft) |
High Tide | 5:22 PM(Fri 08 May) | 6.78 m(22.25 ft) |
Low Tide | 11:33 PM(Fri 08 May) | 2.28 m(7.48 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who wants to take a bite of local info 🦈.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher