SBLN Gala

This signature Saints Business Leadership & Community Network event is designed to foster meaningful relationships, celebrate leadership, and build long-term connections across the region.

More than an event, this is part of a broader vision — positioning the Saints as a community engine that connects business, sport, and civic leadership to drive long-term impact across Niagara.

Johnny Rocco’s (Upstairs Ballroom)

271 Merritt St, St. Catharines, ON L2T 1K1

Date: Friday May 22, 2026

Dress Code: Black Tie Doors Open: 6:00 PM

 
Get your tickets

Our Speakers

Portrait of a man smiling, wearing a blue suit and light blue shirt, against a plain light background.

John Foresi 

EO, Co-Founder & Director — Venterra Realty Harvard MBA | Globe & Mail Top 40 Under 40 | Niagara Native

John Foresi is the  CEO and Co-Founder of Venterra Realty, a North American real estate  investment and management firm overseeing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio across 24 major U.S. markets. Under his leadership,  Venterra has built a reputation not only for strong investment  performance, but for creating one of the most respected workplace  cultures in the industry — earning multiple recognition's including Best Places to Work, Top CEO, and Companies That Care.

A smiling man with a shaved head wearing a dark patterned blazer and a white shirt against a white background.

Scott Sweitzer

Niagara Business Leader & Former Hockey Player

Scott Sweitzer is a  Niagara-based entrepreneur and business leader whose career reflects the  transition from competitive sport into building and leading successful  ventures within the community.

A smiling man wearing a blue St. Catharines Saints jacket standing indoors with a red and white wall background.

Pat Smith

Owner/General Manager of the St. Catharines Saints Senior AAA Hockey Club

 Pat Smith is the  Founder of the  Saints Business Leadership & Community Network (SBLN), a platform  dedicated to connecting  business, sport, and community across the Niagara Region. 

A professional hockey player in a Toronto Maple Leafs uniform on the ice, looking up, with a beard, white helmet, blue and white jersey, and holding a hockey stick.

Wendel Clark

Former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain & NHL Legend

Wendel Clark is one  of the most iconic figures in Toronto Maple Leafs history — a player  defined by his rare combination of elite scoring ability, physical  toughness, and uncompromising leadership.

Ice hockey player in black and red uniform in action on the ice rink, holding a yellow hockey stick, with a North Carolina Education Lottery sign in the background.

Justin Shugg

Former professional hockey player

Justin Shugg is a  former professional hockey player whose career reflects the discipline,  adaptability, and resilience required to compete at the highest levels  of the game — and successfully transition beyond  it.

A hockey player in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey with the number 20 and a captain's 'C' on the front, wearing a blue helmet and holding a hockey stick, on ice during a game.

Rick Vaive

Head Coach — St. Catharines Saints Former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain & NHL All-Star

Rick Vaive is one of  the most accomplished goal scorers in Toronto Maple Leafs history and  now serves as Head Coach of the St. Catharines Saints, bringing  elite-level experience, leadership, and credibility  to the organization.

Tickets & Sponsorships

Please contact Pat for ticket and sponsorship inquires.

Ticket & Sponsorship Information

Contact: Pat Smith

Email : patsmith@saintsbusinessnetwork.com

Phone: 905-380-4170