Mill Rats Unveil New Logo and Sign Two NBL Canada MVPs
November 19, 2015 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
The Saint John Mill Rats made several key announcements at press conference today in Market Square including unveiling a new logo, some key player signings, and a new media partner.
The Mill Rats announced the signing of two former NBL Canada league MVP's: 5'11 guard Anthony Anderson (2013-14 MVP) and 6'6 forward Gabe Freeman (2011-12 MVP).
Anderson, who was named 1st team All NBL Canada also last season, has been the Mill Rats franchise player for more than half a decade. The 34 year old guard led the NBLC in scoring at 19.7 points per game last season.
Freeman played for Mill Rats Head Coach Rob Spon last season for the undefeated Rochester Razorsharks, averaging 19.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. In the NBL Canada's inaugural season he led the London Lightning to their first championship, scoring 18.1 points and grabbing 12.2 rebounds per game, en route to league MVP honours as well as being named Finals MVP.
The 6'6 power forward has won championships in 3 leagues, been named league MVP (Canada), Import Player of the Year twice (Philippines), Defensive Player of the Year (CBA), and earned All-Defensive First Team honours (Canada and Philippines).
"Anthony and Gabe are two of the best players I have coached," said Mill Rats Head Coach Rob Spon. "To have them together on the same team is going to be something special to see. Both of them are winners and leaders and they will make my job that much easier."
New Logo and Slogan
The Mill Rats unveiled a new logo and slogan as well. The new logo was designed to give the team a fresh new marketable look, while still adhering to past imagery.
The new slogan was also unveiled: "BUILDING AMAZING NOW" which sought to capture the excitement of the team that is being built, the amazing plays that happen during the games, the amazing work being done in the community, and a general feeling of optimism towards Saint John's future.
"We thought now in our 5th year in the NBL Canada (6th in Saint John) that it was a good time to release a new logo and image. The league has come out with a 5-year celebration logo, and this is a great complement to that," said the Mill Rats General Manager Ian McCarthy. "The logo is great and it carries forward a clean look that fans will be excited to wear, and we can't wait to represent on our jerseys."
New Media Partner
The new Mill Rats logo and branding was designed by Arrowfoot Productions located inside Market Square. Arrowfoot has partnered as a major media sponsor of the Saint John Mill Rats for this season, and will provide graphic design, media, video production, social media, and animation services to help 'jazz up' the team's image and exposure in the public eye.
"We are excited to work with the Mill Rats in helping them to re-brand themselves and highlight the exciting talent of these amazing players," said Arrowfoot principal Jim Kuehnel. "Alot of folks in town haven't yet realized what's right here in town, and need to get down to the games to check it out. Its world class basketball and world class entertainment, and they represent Saint John."
Season tickets are on sale at the Harbour Station Box Office or by calling 506-657-1234 or by visiting www.harbourstation.ca.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from November 19, 2015
- Mill Rats Unveil New Logo and Sign Two NBL Canada MVPs - Saint John Riptide
- Mill Rats To Unveil New Logo And Make Huge Player Signing Announcement Today - Saint John Riptide
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