FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2025

New Brunswick Rapids Rebrand as Maritime Rapids Academy, Launch Regional Expansion with Nova Scotia Announcement

[Rothesay, NB] – The New Brunswick Rapids are officially rebranding as Maritime Rapids Academy, marking the beginning of an ambitious new chapter in high-performance sports across Atlantic Canada.

What began as a grassroots baseball program in southern New Brunswick has evolved into a multi-sport platform that now includes baseball, softball, strength & conditioning, and multi-sport athletic development—with more on the horizon.

Maritime Rapids Academy is committed to helping young athletes achieve their full potential, both athletically and academically. By emphasizing skill development, education, and work ethic, the Academy prepares players for success on and off the field. The mission is clear: to develop not only outstanding athletes, but also leaders who make a positive impact in their communities.

This rebrand reflects an expanded vision—to create a unified system that empowers athletes across the Maritimes to train at home, access elite coaching, and perform on national stages, without having to relocate.

As part of this exciting launch, Maritime Rapids Academy is proud to welcome PlayFast Baseball Academy, based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, to its growing network. Effective immediately, PlayFast will operate as Maritime Rapids – Nova Scotia.

Led by Robert Gillis (Longwood University, INF) and Jeff Reeves (Winthrop University, RHP), PlayFast brings decades of experience and a proven track record in athlete development to the Rapids system. Their addition expands the Academy’s reach into Nova Scotia and provides more Maritime athletes with access to elite instruction, recruitment support, and a shared identity.

“This is about uniting the region,” said Drew Palmer, Founder of Maritime Rapids Academy. “We’re building something bigger than any one province—a true East Coast pathway that gives athletes from all backgrounds a shot at the next level, while staying connected to home.”

This is the first of several major announcements as Maritime Rapids continues to expand across Atlantic Canada, with additional programs, partnerships, and locations planned for 2025.

Media Contact:

Andrew Bettle

VP & Director of Operations

info@rapidsacademy.ca

More About Robert and Jeff

Robert Gillis joins Maritime Rapids Academy as the founder of PlayFast Academy, based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and as an instructor with IHigh Development Infielding. He currently serves as the head coach of the U11 AAA Dartmouth Arrows.

Robert is well known for his distinguished playing career, which includes four years as an infielder at NCAA Division I school Longwood University, as well as a stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club in the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL). He has also competed with the Dartmouth Dry Senior Baseball Club, winning two Senior National Championships. Additionally, Robert has represented Nova Scotia at both the Canada Cup and the Canada Games, where he earned a bronze medal.

Jeff Reeves brings an extensive playing and coaching résumé to Maritime Rapids Academy. He spent four years as a pitcher at NCAA Division I school Winthrop University, followed by eight seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club in the IBL. Jeff has also represented Canada on the national stage and played three years with Team Ontario, including a trip to the Canada Games, where he won a silver medal.

Over the past 14 years, Jeff has played with the Dartmouth Dry Senior Baseball Club, contributing to two silver medal finishes. He currently serves as the Head Coach of the U13 Dartmouth Arrows and as a part-time pitching coach with the Dartmouth Dry