The Junior Gaels family continues to grow.

Queen’s Athletics and Recreation announced Friday that the Greater Kingston Hockey Association is joining the Junior Gaels brand and apparel program.

“The local response and continued expansion of the Junior Gaels program is so inspiring,” says Jeff Downie, Director, Business Development and Operations for Queen’s Athletics and Recreation. “It shows that our goal of inspiring Kingston athletes to attend Queen’s, and one day play for the Gaels is what the community is willing to support. We are excited for our current student-athletes to be getting involved with the local youth.”

The partnership will see GKHA rebrand their name to GKHA Junior Gaels as well as rebranded league uniforms and apparel starting in the fall of 2019. Queen’s Athletics is using a new partnership with T. Litzen and Nike its apparel and equipment supplier to support the Junior Gaels brand.

“Our organization is pleased to team up with the Queen’s Gaels to enhance our program further, namely by supporting the duality that exists within elite student-athletes and their drive to be leaders – on and off the ice, academically and athletically,” says Scott Trueman, President, Greater Kingston Hockey Association.

The Junior Gaels initiative has now partnered with five local minor sports organizations: Limestone District Grenadiers (football); Pegasus Volleyball Club; Kingston Clippers (soccer); Greater Kingston Softball Association; and Greater Kingston Hockey Association. Each organization's teams will now be named Junior Gaels and don the Queen's colours.

All participants in the Junior Gaels program will receive benefits, including:

• Opportunities to meet and learn from current Gaels athletes
• Coaching support from current Queen’s coaches
• Free admission to Gaels sporting events
• Special Junior Gaels programming at the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC)
• Discounts and promotions

The new Junior Gaels brand and uniforms will be launched soon.

Visit the Queen’s Athletics and Recreation website at gogaelsgo.com.