ACH Welcomes The Garden City To The League

On Friday, May 23^rd, 2025, the Ontario Hockey Association announced the approval of Saint Catharines on becoming the newest Senior AAA team in the Allan Cup Hockey League, starting play later this year.

Saint Catharines’ team will be called the Saints and is owned by Pat Smith, a Vice President of a large U.S. dietary supplement manufacturing company.

"The ACHL is very excited to have a new ACHL Senior Hockey franchise located in the Niagara Penninsula,” said ACHL Commissioner Rick Richardson.

Smith, who was born and raised in St. Catharine’s, grew up playing in the Royals minor hockey organization. He would also play competitively for the Thorold Blackhawks of the GHJHL, now known as the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL), from 1996 to 2000. Following his junior hockey career, Smith graduated from Brock University with his undergraduate degree in communications. He would then continue his studies Medaille College where he earned his master’s degree in administration and management.

Over the past decade, Smith has coached competitive hockey at various levels and age groups.

The Saints will play out of the Bill Burgoyne Memorial Arena located at 129 Linwell Road in Saint Catharines.

We look forward to working with Smith and the Saints staff as we work our way towards dropping the puck on the 2025-26 ACH season later this year.

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For more information contact Allan Cup Hockey Commissioner Rick Richardson at 905-328-4727 or email: rickystar911@outlook.com