Blackstock rallies to bring Kraft Hockeyville home in 2026

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: Generations of skaters, players, and families are uniting behind a shared goal, as the community puts forward the Blackstock Recreation Complex, as its nominee for the 2026 edition of the Kraft Hockeyville contest.

Blackstock Arena is one of Canada’s true hockey originals. First opening in 1933 as an outdoor skating pad, it holds the distinction of being the second-oldest ice surface in the country. Over the decades, the rink has grown alongside the community, gaining walls and a roof in the 1950s and a chilling unit in 1967, creating the indoor arena generations continue to use today.

“The arena is where the heartbeat of our community lives,” said, Blackstock Minor Hockey volunteer, Mike Blakey. “Almost everyone in town, and many from surrounding areas, either learned how to skate here or played in one of the leagues which operate out of Blackstock.”

That passion is especially visible on Saturdays, when youth hockey fills the ice and families pack the stands. Local resident and community volunteer, Carrie Robinson said, the excitement extends well beyond the rink.

“You can see it in the excitement on our kids’ faces, every time they step onto the ice, and in the Blackstock hockey gear they proudly wear around the community,” Ms. Robinson said. “What started as a small community league has grown through word of mouth, and now families from surrounding areas are part of it.”

Throughout the week, the arena hosts family skates, stick-and-puck sessions, adult leagues, and curling. For many residents, it is the only indoor recreation facility in the area.

“This arena is truly the heart of our community,” Ms. Robinson added. “It’s where kids build friendships, spend time in a fun, family-oriented environment, and create lifelong memories. Parents value the welcoming, small-town feel which allows kids to enjoy the game without the pressure of an overly competitive atmosphere.”

For Mr. Blakey, the arena’s importance is both communal and personal.

“I grew up playing hockey here, and now my daughter is skating and playing in the same arena,” he said. “It’s a community-based facility which welcomes everyone, from minor hockey to adult leagues and curling.”

If selected as Kraft Hockeyville, the $250,000 prize would go toward critical infrastructure upgrades. The arena’s refrigeration system is severely outdated and in urgent need of replacement, to ensure the facility can continue operating safely and efficiently. Additional funding would help address ongoing facility repairs and support improvements which allow the arena to grow alongside the community.

“With the right investment, we can preserve this essential space,” Ms. Robinson explained. “It’s about making sure the arena remains a reliable hub for recreation, connection, and community life for years to come.”

Launched in 2006, the Kraft Hockeyville contest celebrates the places where hockey brings people together. Ontario communities have seen notable success, including: Stirling in 2012, Lucan in 2018, and West Lorne in 2023, with each location using the funding to modernize cherished local rinks while preserving their local character.

As Blackstock’s nomination moves forward, residents say the goal is simple: honour the arena’s remarkable history while ensuring it continues to serve future generations, just as it has for more than 90 years.