‘We’re really excited’: NL Regiment ready to open second season in QMJHL

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeAtlantic CanadaNewfoundland & LabradorNewfoundland And Labrador SportsSportsHockeyLocal Sports ‘We’re really excited’: NL Regiment ready to open second season in QMJHL The Regiment welcome Saint John to the Mary Brown's Centre on Sept. 18 Author of the article: By Nicholas Mercer Published Sep 18, 2026 3 minute read Newfoundland Regiment general manager and head coach Gordie Dwyer addresses the players during the QMJHL team's recent rookie camp at Credit Union Place's Gerard (Turk) Gallant Arena in Summerside, P.E.I. PHOTO BY JASON SIMMONDS/THE GUARDIAN Article content The Newfoundland Regiment hope to avoid any signs of sophomore slump when they get the new QMJHL season started this weekend in St. John’s. Article content The Regiment set the Mary Brown’s Centre on fire in their first season as they set a QMJHL attendance record and carried that momentum in a playoff appearance in their first attempt. Article content Article content Now, it’s up to them to build on that this season as they welcome the Saint John Sea Dogs for the opening series. Article content Article content “It’s lots of excitement around the hockey team and in the community,” said Gordie Dwyer, the team’s head coach and general manager. Article content “So, really looking to build off a successful first season in Newfoundland with the Regiment. Article content “We’re really excited about getting back in front of our fans as well.” Article content Article content Article content Read More Regiment’s inaugural QMJHL season ‘amazing success’ despite playoff loss Veitch and Norman win Canadian gold as they prepare for NL Regiment's second season Advertisement 1 Article content Building a nation Article content One thing Dwyer wants this season is to grow a provincial fanbase for his team. Article content Last season, it was ‘Go Regiment Go’ and, while there was some provincial support, the coach really wants to make sure his club resonates in rinks across the province. Article content That mission got a boost when the Regiment welcomed the Saginaw Spirit for three preseason games in Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and Corner Brook. Article content It was a series that not only drew fans to rinks in new markets but allowed the team to grow their brand a little bit. Article content “We’re pushing and growing towards more of a Regiment Nation kind of…