Saint John basketball team changes its name to Riptide

The Saint John National Basketball League of Canada team will now be called the Riptide. The minor pro basketball team came under new ownership this summer, and they decided it was time for a change.

• Saint John Mill Rats gets new owners and new name

The name selection for the former Mill Rats was taken to a public vote, and Riptide won. It beat out team names such asMonkey Geese, Celtics, and Loyalists. There were about 300 ideas for a new name through the community contest.

"Whether it's from the fire, whether it's through economic things that have happened, our city has continued to be resilient and show that strength just below the surface and that's what I really love about our Riptide name," said Scott VanWart.

VanWart is the President and CEO of Saint John Riptide basketball. He said it was important the city felt it was their team.

"We love all the correlations back to the city," said VanWart.

"We think that really the community can connect to this identity much better than anything that's beenthere in the past."

The new owners made the changeafter deciding the Mill Rats played into a stereotype about people from Saint John.

Getting ready for the season

Fans getting ready for the new season who want to sport some Riptide gear will get some help.

VanWart said people can bring in their old Mill Rats gear and trade it for Riptide apparel for a discount. The old Mill Rats gear will be then donated to charity.

People will get to watch the newly branded Riptides when the season tips off in December.