🥅 It's Hockey Season

Good morning Saint John! It’s the first day of the NHL season, and somehow hockey is the underlying theme of today’s issue. The real fun starts tomorrow with the Habs vs. Leafs but consider this your warm-up skate.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• Local writer scores with new book 📚

• Hampton’s rink just got real 🚨

• Saint John’s power friends are growing 🔌

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

LOCALS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Local Journalist Breaks Away with New Book

Karissa Donkin’s new book Break Away takes readers inside the world of women’s hockey, a passion she first discovered cheering on the Saint John Flames with her grandfather at Harbour Station (TD Station). Growing up in the south end of the port city, Karissa spent countless hours cheering on the Flames. Those games, and the rituals around them, including listening on the radio when they couldn’t attend in person - to watching Hockey Night in Canada at home, sparked her love of hockey. 

“My grandfather passed away in 2007. He was always reading hockey books, but they were all about men, written by men,” Karissa said. “I think he'd love reading this book with a Leafs game on in the background and a cup of tea.” 

Karissa’s career as a journalist, now with CBC Sports, began in Saint John but took her across the country, covering everything from investigative stories to national events. During the pandemic, she needed a creative escape, a break from heavy reporting. That’s when she started Break Away, a book celebrating the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), highlighting players’ journeys - including New Brunswickers Sarah Bujold and Marlène Boissonnault - and the inequities women face in hockey.

She’s bringing her story back home with a launch event Thursday, October 9th, at The Write Cup. Expect a lively conversation with Julia Wright, stories about Saint John’s south end, and a chance to grab a signed copy. For Karissa, it’s about connecting her hometown roots, her love of hockey, and the athletes making history in the game she adores.

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NEWS NOTES

⛸️ Summit Centre opens its doors

Hampton’s got a brand-new arena and community hub to brag about…the Summit Centre officially opened its doors this past Saturday, and the first skaters have already hit the fresh ice. It’s more than just a rink though: the complex comes with rec programs, a gathering space, and even a brand-new dog park thanks to Bird Construction.

The real celebration is still ahead. Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 26 from 1-4pm, when Hampton throws its official grand opening with speeches, tours, and a public skate (1:45-3:45pm). Consider this your invitation to come see Hampton’s newest landmark in action.

Saint John Energy’s power network grows ⚡

Saint John Energy is part of a growing Maritime Municipal Electric Utility Alliance, and Lunenburg just joined the club. The alliance brings municipal utilities together across the Maritimes to share expertise, collaborate on clean energy projects, and strengthen local leadership. More members means bigger opportunities for innovation, smarter grids, and reliable service…proving that when it comes to keeping the lights on, Saint John’s got some powerful friends.

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LOCAL COUNCIL

⚖️ Quispamsis Council Meeting | October 7, 6pm

• Local improvements — Deputy Mayor Schryer is asking council to review By-law No. 011, which would make it easier for properties to connect to the municipal water system.

• Remuneration review — Council will continue discussing possible updates to salaries, allowances, and benefits for councillors and the mayor.

• Political activity policy — Town staff will review a new draft policy to clarify rules for employees and council members during election periods.

See the full agenda.

The meeting takes place at Quispamsis Town Hall (Council Chambers, 12 Landing Court) at 6pm. Watch in person or via livestream.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Today’s events come straight from our readers. If you’ve got an event coming up, be sure to sent it our way!

Beat the Heat Engagement Session | October 7
Saint Johners are invited to share their hottest spots in the city, from steamy bus stops to sunbaked sidewalks, as part of an urban heat study. The final public session happens online Tuesday from 7-8:30pm, where residents can weigh in on shade, trees, and cooling ideas. Register on Zoom. 

Compassionate Grief Centre 5th Birthday | October 8
The Compassionate Grief Centre is celebrating five years with a night at Lily Lake Pavilion. Highlights include a Fireside Chat on mental health with Dr. John Dornan and Dr. David Elias, a silent auction, cake, and a photo booth. Tickets are $85, with proceeds helping the Centre reach its $20,000 goal for free and low-cost counselling. 

Howl-O-Ween Hysteria | October 23-26
Market Square turns into a fright zone as BGC Greater Saint John hosts four nights of haunted house mayhem. Two trails await — a scare-sensitive one for kids and a full-blown Trail of Terror for thrill-seekers 12+. Tickets are $20 (or $30 with a Scare-Shots photo) and must be booked in advance. Proceeds support BGC programs. 

Casino Night | October 25
The Vocational Training Center is hosting a fun casino night at Exhibition Park with support from the Knights of Columbus. The evening runs 7-9pm and promises games, prizes, and plenty of energy. Tickets are $25 and can be picked up by calling 506-847-4759 or through their Facebook page.

Harvest Supper | November 2
Assumption Center is serving up a hearty Harvest Supper on 721 Chapel Street from 3:30-6pm. Enjoy a classic roast beef dinner. $15 for adults, $10 for kids under 11 and don’t miss the bake sale and 50/50 draw while you’re there

CCSPCA Christmas Craft Fair | November 15
The Charlotte County SPCA is on the hunt for some of the region’s best makers to join their Christmas Craft Fair at the St. Stephen Legion. It runs 9:30am-2pm, with vendor spots at $20 for an 8ft table or $15 if you bring your own 6ft. Contact Frances at 506-466-3074 to register.

PS: Hosting a Halloween event or holiday market? We’re building the ultimate guides - send us yours through our submission form here.

Got an Event to Share?

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📸 Kulyk Anton | 📍Harbour Passage

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SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

SPCA cats need new toys

The cats at the SPCA are giving us the look…you know, the one that says “my toy mouse is gone, I need a new one.” They’re running low on cat toys, and any new or gently used ones will do the trick. Drop-offs are welcome Wednesday to Saturday, 12-4:30pm, or you can ship straight from their Amazon Wishlist if you’re more of a click-and-deliver type. Either way, give the cats something to play with!

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone needs some help stick handling through the week. 🏒

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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