J.D. Irving, Limited Sawmill Division sponsors local hockey team Les Forestiers

The J. D. Irving, Limited (JDI) Sawmill Division is proud to support youth sport by sponsoring a local youth hockey team in northern New Brunswick, fittingly called Les Forestiers (The Foresters).

Based in Saint-Quentin, N.B. near the company’s sawmill operations, Les Forestiers is a Junior B team of the New Brunswick Junior Hockey League comprised of 16–21-year-old players hailing from the surrounding communities.

“Seeing them push themselves, play with heart and proudly represent their community is what makes me most proud,” said team founder Maxime Cayouette.

“JDI’s support takes the financial pressure off the team,” added Cayouette. The sponsorship will help Les Forestiers pay for equipment expenses as well as ice fees.

Some of the team’s players are part of the JDI Sawmill family while others are studying to become electricians, mechanics and to work in forestry themselves.

“Like in every Canadian community, we all find common ground on the ice. Supporting talented hockey players in the game is one way we can show up for the communities that are home to our operations,” said Jerome Pelletier, Vice President, Sawmills, J.D. Irving, Limited. “Best of luck to the entire Forestiers team.”

From Northern New Brunswick to across Canada, hockey is part of the fabric of local towns and cities, providing an activity for people of all ages to come together and find the warmth of community during winter months.

For Cayouette, there’s nothing like the atmosphere of the arena.

“It’s a real gathering point,” he said. “Young people find their place there, and families experience it together. It creates a strong sense of community.”