NL

St. John's Edge shows off jerseys ahead of pro-basketball debut

The St. John's Edge shows off its look as the newest addition to the National Basketball League of Canada.

Owner says city is ideal site for a team because it has 'a fan base that has enjoyed all kinds of sports'

The new uniforms for the St. John's Edge basketball team were modelled by students at Macdonald Drive Junior High School. (Zach Goudie/CBC)

The capital city's "educated sports market" and the "affordable" element will make the St. John's Edge a success in Canada's National Basketball League, according to the team owner.

"It's got a fan base that has enjoyed all kinds of sports," said John Graham.

He was just one of the team officials on hand to unveil the team name, logo and jerseys during an event at Macdonald Drive Junior High School Monday morning. 

John Graham, St. John's Edge owner, says he hopes the team attracts fans of all ages. (Sherry Vivian/CBC)

Graham said it's not a coincidence Monday's event happened at a junior high school, adding the team wants to market basketball to a younger demographic.

"We think the kids relate to basketball, lots of kids are playing basketball. So we have to make an affordable form of entertainment," he explained. 

Nick Skinner, a student at Macdonald Drive Junior High, says he prefers basketball to hockey because 'it's more fun.' (Sherry Vivian/CBC)

That appeared to be paying off already. 

"Basketball is my favourite sport ... it's better than a hockey team," said student Nick Skinner.

"It's more fun and there is a lot more scoring in it," he said. 

St. John's Edge head coach Jeff Dunlap says it's a 'fabulous' opportunity to have professional basketball in Newfoundland (Sherry Vivian/CBC)

St. John's Edge head coach Jeff Dunlap said he can't wait to get the season started in November. 

"We're very excited ... I think this is a fabulous opportunity. I'm in on the inception of something that we can introduce to this community," he said. 

"Hopefully we can get that arena rocking before too long."

With files from Zach Goudie