The Knight family of Meaford has a long business history in this small Ontario town. Back in 1880, George T. Knight first established a carriage shop in Meaford, and later expanded it into a sawmill and furniture manufacturing concern. His sons carried on the business and branched out, and today three successful businesses continue to operate under the Knight name: Knight’s Home Building Centre, Stanley Knight Ltd., and Knights of Meaford, Inc.

But soon the name Knights of Meaford will be known to hockey fans across the province. It’s the moniker of Meaford’s brand new Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League (GMHL) franchise.

The GMHL was founded in 2006 by retired pro hockey player Bob Russell to provide exciting hockey within a developmental league for players aged 16 to 21. Seven teams played in that first season, and by last year, 15 teams competed, with the Bradford Rattlers taking the Russell Cup in February.

The team, coached by Meaford native Nathan Parrish, will play their first home game on October 17, as part of a 42-game season. The draft begins next Sunday, but the Knights already have their first player lined up: 17-year-old Georgian Bay Secondary School student Jordan Rear.

Season’s tickets are on sale now till June 20 at special prices of $125, $80 for students and seniors. Call 705-345-8509 or email meafordjrahockey@live.ca