‘Banner Brew’ by Brimstone celebrates Meteors’ championship season

The Fort Erie Meteors have scored a partnership assisted by a local craft brewery.

Launched last week by Brimstone Brewing Company is the ‘Banner Brew,’ a new product available at their tap room in downtown Ridgeway and at a number of local establishments who are also serving it.

Brimstone owner Jason Pizzicarola describes the new beer as a “crisp” lager with an alcohol by volume of four per cent.

Proceeds from the sales will benefit the local Jr. B team, who won the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) Golden Horseshoe conference championship last season, their first title since the 1978-79 season.

“Given their success last season, it’s a great way to commemorate it,” said Pizzicarola, adding the idea came while discussing with team management possible ways his business could offer support.

The first batch, which if it was to be all canned would equate to about 100 cases, has been produced and is being distributed locally.

“Sales are going really well,” said Pizzicarola.

“And as the hype is building, more people are going to want to take it,” he added.

It isn’t set in stone how long the new brew will be available.

“We’ll roll it out for the rest of the season and see how it goes,” said Pizzicarola.

Master brewer Zack Gagnon said he’s proud to be part of the process and that in a small town, people are always eager to “rally around” a project like this.

Meteors assistant general manager Mike Fowler said the Banner Brew accomplishes a couple of things.

“It’s another way to market our program, and to celebrate what we accomplished last year,” he said, adding that coming up with fresh ideas like a custom beer are important.

“At our level, you have to be as creative as possible to try to generate new fans,” said Fowler, adding “you can’t get complacent and that you have to keep pushing forward.”

The Meteors currently sit in third place in their division.

On Friday night, the team will host its elimination draw, a chance to take home the top prize of $5,000. Tickets are $150 and there are chances to win the $150 back as well.

Tickets can be purchased in person from team staff or by sending an e-transfer to meteors61@gmail.com.

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