Glenn Stanford has witnessed a plethora of hockey teams come and go in St. John's, Newfoundland. However, he believes that the newly established Newfoundland Regiment is poised for longevity. With over 2,400 season tickets sold in its inaugural season in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), the team's momentum brings back memories of the region's most successful hockey days.

Stanford, who serves as the president of the Regiment, has an extensive history in hockey management, having worked with various franchises in Newfoundland since the 1990s, including the St. John's Maple Leafs, IceCaps, and Growlers. He draws comparisons to the IceCaps, noting, "This one has a special feel to it. The only thing I can compare it to is the St. John's IceCaps. We were sold out for three-and-a-half years. The support the community has shown is certainly at that level." He expresses confidence that this team is here to stay.

The Newfoundland Regiment marks the province's second attempt in the QMJHL, following the St. John's Fog Devils, which lasted just three seasons from 2005 to 2008 due to severe financial hardships. The original franchise struggled with travel costs and what was described by the league's then-commissioner, Gilles Courteau, as a poor arena deal. Current QMJHL commissioner Mario Cecchini asserts that this time, the Regiment is better positioned for success, citing improved local ownership and a fair lease agreement with the city and arena.

Local business group SPS Entertainment successfully relocated the Acadie-Bathurst Titan to St. John's this season under the leadership of Stanford, who wasn’t involved with the previous Fog Devils franchise. The Regiment's home games opened with three consecutive sellouts at the Mary Brown's Centre, the city's 6,000-seat arena, including an exhilarating 7-5 victory on September 18, 2025, against the reigning champion Moncton Wildcats.

For the team’s first draft picks, 15-year-olds Benjamin Veitch and Quinn Norman, playing before a packed local crowd was a moment they will cherish. Norman described it as a surreal experience, having once watched games from the stands and now playing on the same ice. Veitch echoed his sentiments, appreciating the communal support and excitement surrounding the team, highlighting the passionate hockey culture in St. John's.

Despite a history of supporting various hockey teams that have left, Stanford believes the community’s dedication to the sport remains strong. He noted Newfoundland’s deep-rooted hockey history and the joy it has brought to its residents even before professional teams arrived. "Hockey has been part of our tradition here," he stated, emphasizing its importance in the community's identity.

The St. John's Maple Leafs departed for Toronto in 2005, a move that was part of a broader trend as NHL teams relocated their minor affiliates closer to home. The IceCaps arrived in 2011 as the Winnipeg Jets' affiliate but left two seasons later. Most recently, the Newfoundland Growlers were expelled from the ECHL during the 2023-24 season, struggling to regain financial footing post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Geographical challenges persist, with St. John's being a flight away from every QMJHL market and situated over 500 kilometers from its nearest rival, the Cape Breton Eagles. "The largest line item on your expense side of your budget is travel," Stanford mentioned, pointing to this hurdle faced by all local teams. To address travel costs, the Regiment offers to cover airfare for visiting teams and has structured their schedule to host opponents for back-to-back games, although this can complicate marketing efforts.

Commissioner Cecchini acknowledged that the Regiment has slightly more pressure to fill their larger arena compared to other teams, but he is confident in the ownership group's sound financial planning. "Nobody took that lightly," he added, reassured by the careful calculations made by the new team.

Regiment head coach and general manager Gordie Dwyer, who relocated with the team from Bathurst, N.B., shares the enthusiasm surrounding the team. He believes in its long-term prospects, saying, "The appetite for hockey here is electric," highlighting the buzz in the community surrounding the new franchise.