Hockey is back in St. John’s – and the city and province couldn’t be more excited. With the arrival of the NL Regiment, fans once again have a home team to rally behind at the Mary Brown’s Centre. The return of major junior hockey has reignited the buzz downtown, filling the rink with energy, pride, and plenty of noise on game nights.

Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or brand-new to the sport, catching a Regiment game is the perfect way to experience the spirit of the city. Here’s your fan guide to making the most of game night.

Get There Early and Feel the Buzz

Game night downtown has its own rhythm. Arriving early gives you time to find parking, grab a bite, and soak in the atmosphere before puck drop. If you’re staying at JAG, you’re just a short walk away, making it easy to skip the traffic and stroll straight into the action.

Be sure to browse the merch stands before the game – you’ll want to snag some Regiment gear to show your team spirit. And don’t miss warmups; watching the players take the ice before the official start builds anticipation and gives you a closer look at the action.

Parking Tips

Parking in downtown St. John’s can get tight on game nights. Street parking and paid lots are available around the Mary Brown’s Centre, but they fill up quickly. To save yourself the stress, plan to arrive early – or better yet, make a night of it with a stay at JAG. With special hotel packages available, you can enjoy the game, stroll back afterward, and keep the evening going downtown without worrying about your car.

Concessions Worth Trying

The Mary Brown’s Centre is home turf for the Regiment – and for its namesake, Mary Brown’s Chicken. One of the best parts of game night is grabbing a Big Mary or Tater Poutine between periods. Alongside classics like popcorn, hot dogs, and beer, the local flavor makes the whole experience uniquely St. John’s. Pro tip: lines can get long, so head to concessions right as the period ends to beat the rush.

Cheer Loud, Cheer Proud

The Regiment’s arrival has reignited St. John’s hockey traditions. From the roar of the crowd when the team hits the ice to the music that pumps after every goal, the energy is contagious. Don’t be afraid to cheer, clap, and join in on the chants – being part of the atmosphere is half the fun.

Between periods, there’s still plenty happening. Grab a snack, enjoy the in-arena entertainment, and watch for contests and giveaways. And keep your eyes peeled for the team’s beloved mascot, Buddy the Puffin Jr., who never fails to get the crowd fired up.

After the Final Whistle

When the final horn sounds, the night doesn’t have to end. Head to George Street to keep the energy going with live music, food, and drinks. Then, wrap up the night with a drink at Zimmy’s inside JAG — the perfect spot to wind down in style and toast to a great game night.

Your First of Many

The return of major junior hockey has given St. John’s something to celebrate, and the Regiment has brought with it a wave of excitement and community pride. Your first game won’t just be about the action on the ice – it’s about the atmosphere, the food, the music, and the chance to be part of something special. Chances are, it’ll be the first of many nights you’ll be standing proud with the Regiment.