- SJ Today
- Posts
- 🥅 Don't Underestimate the Underdog
🥅 Don't Underestimate the Underdog
SJ Today
April 02, 2025
In partnership with:
Good morning, Saint John! I’ve never admitted this before, but peanut butter straight from the jar on a spoon is totally an acceptable snack. But today, since it’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, I’ll be using bread. 🥪
Here’s what else is on our plate this morning:
A Local U13 Hockey team’s cinderella story 🏒
City of Saint John releases six pillars of growth 📊
Host a community clean-up day 🧹
Happy Hump Day!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
Oops-Proof Your Life: The Chair That’s Changing Everything
Ever had a laugh, sneeze, or workout end in an oops moment? You’re not alone, bladder leaks affect over 30% of men and women. But now, there’s a high-tech, non-invasive fix that doesn’t involve exercises, medications, or, well, awkwardness.
Meet EMSELLA, the revolutionary chair that strengthens your pelvic floor while you simply sit there, fully clothed. In just one session, it delivers thousands of contractions, helping you regain bladder control, confidence, and freedom.
Saint Johners are already seeing results, so why not you? Archstone Physiotherapy is offering a free 30-minute consultation to see if EMSELLA is right for you.
Book yours online now or call 506-847-2037 today.
LOCALS YOU SHOUD KNOW
🏒 Riptide’s Cinderella Run: From 8th Seed to Provincial Champs
EDZA South Riptide celebrate their Provincial U13AAA Championship in Moncton last weekend.
They barely made the playoffs, but now they’re heading to Atlantics. The U13 AAA EDZA South Riptide, who call the Lord Beaverbrook Rink home, pulled off the ultimate underdog story last weekend at the Greenfoot Energy Fourplex in Moncton, going from the lowest-seeded team in the provincial championship to winning the whole thing! Now, with just days to prepare, they’re scrambling, not for ice time, but for funding.
Head Coach Jay Reid knew his team had something special when they squeaked into the quarterfinals as the 8th seed.
"Once we got in, we told them that anything can happen in a one-game playoff," he said. "We told the story of the University of Ottawa knocking off UNB in the quarters at the University Cup. The kids all know UNB. They started to believe after winning vs. the Raiders."
And believe they did. The Riptide stormed through the competition, proving all season long that they had more fight in them than their ranking suggested.
"This group of players has been written off since the start of the season. They played with a chip on their shoulder, kept working hard, and here we are."
Next stop? The Atlantic Championship in Grand Falls, Newfoundland. But there’s one major problem: this trip wasn’t exactly in the budget.
"We certainly didn’t have any reserve funds set aside to go, but we’re happy to scramble to make it happen," said Reid.
And that’s where the community comes in. The team is rallying support to make this dream trip possible. Here’s how you can help:
How to Support the Riptide:
Bottle Drive: Saturday, 9am–12pm at the Cineplex parking lot on McAllister Drive.
$1,000 Raffle: Tickets are $20 each - draw on April 9.
Donations: E-transfers accepted to [email protected] (Password: riptide).
"We love how the community has rallied around us," said Reid. "The message to our team each game has been: Be proud to be here…but not satisfied. We can win! And we will use the same message heading to Newfoundland."
Let’s help the Riptide ride this wave all the way to an Atlantic title. Go Riptide!
NEWS NOTES
🌟 Saint John’s Big Plans for Our Small City
Saint John is eyeing some major upgrades, and City Hall has dropped its six “Critical Priorities for Growth” to make it happen. The big picture means more housing, smoother traffic, smarter taxes, and better recreation, all designed to keep Saint John growing and thriving.
These are the pillars they’re laying out:
Heavy Industrial Tax Reform – Let’s keep more tax dollars in Saint John where they belong.
Housing for All – More homes, fewer waitlists, and fewer hoops for developers.
Simms Corner Redo – Traffic relief for commuters and fewer trucks cutting through residential streets.
Lorneville Land Transfer – Unlocking space for new industry and job creation.
Rec & Community Spaces – Creating more modern multi-use facilities in the city.
Saint John Energy Transformation – Powering up for a sustainable future.
The city says now’s the time to act, and they’re calling on the province and feds to get on board.
🚛 Meet the Neighbours, Lose the Litter
Saint John’s Green Machine is rolling out this May and June, ready to turn your neighbourhood clean-up into a well-oiled, garbage-bag-filling, weed-whacking machine. This 14-foot trailer comes fully loaded with gloves, rakes, bags, and everything else you need to spruce up your streets, parks, and public spaces, because let’s be honest, they could probably use it.
Community groups are already stepping up, and now’s your chance to rally the neighbours, book the Green Machine, and make your block the envy of Saint John. Sign up at least two weeks in advance on the city’s website, then start taking bets on which neighbourhood dad is firing up the BBQ when the work is done.
🚧 City Roads Could Get a Faster Fix
Saint John drivers, get ready for quicker road resurfacing! City Council is pushing to speed up the paving process after delays left streets in a bumpy, unfinished state for far too long.
Councillor Gerry Lowe led the charge, saying residents deserve clear timelines for when streets will be paved after milling. Currently, contractors have flexibility, but that often leads to long wait times for municipal projects.
City staff are now drafting contract language to make sure contractors stick to strict timelines. Deputy Mayor John MacKenzie is all for it, recalling streets left unfinished for months last summer.
The city’s aiming for smoother, safer streets, and a lot less waiting for work to be done.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
SPONSORED
Time to Shine! ☀️
Your business deserves the spotlight. Advertise in our newsletter and be part of the morning buzz!
EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Step out into the spring breeze, shake off the winter dust, and make the most of this weekend with a handful of spring-inspired events. Strolling through local markets, enjoying a fundraising fashion show or just wondering around uptown soaking in the fresh air, it’s finally spring time! 🌷
SATURDAY
KBM Spring Craft and Vendor Sale | April 5
Looking for the perfect Easter or Mother’s Day gift? Head to KBM’s Spring Craft and Vendor Sale and support local makers and vendors. With a $1 admission, door prizes, and a canteen to keep you fueled, it’s the perfect Saturday outing. Doors open at 9am - don’t miss out on the unique finds! Vendor spots are still available; call Leslie at 506-738-2567 to reserve a table.
Lovely Little Spring Market | April 5
Get into the spring spirit with Lovely Little Market at Wasted Day this Saturday! From 11am to 4pm, shop a selection of Easter and floral goodies while supporting local vendors. Plus, enjoy the dog-friendly taproom and 20 beers on tap, perfect for sipping while you browse the market. Don’t miss out on this festive shopping event!
Seaside Park Spring Artisan Market | April 6
Head to Seaside Park School for a spring shopping experience with a heart! Vendors will be offering a variety of homemade items, perfect for gifts or treats for yourself. Plus, don’t miss the chance to snap a picture with the Easter Bunny (10am-12pm) for a donation in support of the school. It’s a fun way to shop local and give back!
SUNDAY
Easter Bazaar | April 6
Head to Kent Theatre for a shopping spree just in time for Easter! With 30 local vendors offering a variety of handmade products, it's a perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and support the Latimore Lake Cat Group. This fundraiser is a win-win: grab some bargains while giving back to a great cause. The market runs from 9am to 2pm, so be sure to swing by!
Pop-Up Mystery Eggs | April 6
Get ready for a fun surprise at The Crying Cryptid’s pop-up event from 1-4pm! For just $5, you can crack open a mystery egg filled with Easter-themed prints, Mystery Minis, or even clickers. Each egg is packed with $5-$10 worth of exclusive items, so don’t miss out on these limited-edition treasures! Swing by and see what surprises await.
Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show | April 6
Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea, finger sandwiches, and a fashion show at the Holy Spirit Parish in Grand Bay-Westfield. This event, in support of St. Augustine's Memorial Garden, features expert accessorizing tips from Lorraine Peters, a seasoned model with decades of experience. In collaboration with the Hospice Shop, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Tickets are limited, grab yours today from Grand Bay Home Hardware or the church office!
*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 ARE WE? 📸
Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. If you think you know where this flag hangs, hit reply and give us your best guess! We’re reveal the location and correct answers on Friday.
Tag @sjtoday.ca on Instagram to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 3:08 AM(Wed 02 April) | 8.43 m(27.66 ft) |
Low Tide | 9:30 AM(Wed 02 April) | 0.4 m(1.31 ft) |
High Tide | 3:42 PM(Wed 02 April) | 7.86 m(25.79 ft) |
Low Tide | 9:53 PM(Wed 02 April) | 1.01 m(3.31 ft) |
Reach Readers Daily!
Need to get the word out? Our baseline ads give you the perfect spot to connect with Saint John readers. With your message right next to the latest local buzz, it’s a great way to make an impact. Let's chat about getting you featured here!*
*indicates sponsored content
Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who likes crunchy peanut butter over smooth. 🥜
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher