Column: Good Old Arenas

by Shawn Lackie

Some 40 odd years ago, when I was touring Ontario and parts east with an aspiring band, one of my favourite things to do, when we rolled into another tiny burg, was check out the local arena. Now, how Canadian is THAT? There is something awe-inspiring about a building, just rich with tradition and stories which could stretch for miles.

 Each one of these small towns had some sort of champion or another in the past which most likely linked it to both hockey and the local arena. Port Perry is no different. The old barn we had at the corner of Water and North Street was just that. In hockey vernacular it WAS an old barn, yet it had its fair share of stories. Like some of those other towns, it also had its fair share of champions, such as Tripp Bulldozers, Cy Wilson Mustangs, Beare Motors Bantams to name a few. I had the thrill of playing on that Mustang midget team which was honoured and inducted to the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame, a number of years ago.

In the course of meeting up with a good number of teammates, Ken Davidson brought along a scrap book, full of pictures from that memorable season.

The one thing which stood out, above all else, was the magnificence of some of the buildings we played in, on our way to the title. I'm fairly sure, most of those buildings are gone now, as is our own, but they just radiated a charm which will not soon be forgotten.

Before you start thinking, I've lost my mind and have wandered into Good Old Days territory, you should ask a few people who still recall what those old arenas looked and smelled like, and you will get a warm smile and some interesting stories.

It's like the good old Civic Auditorium in Oshawa. I spent many a night there, watching many of the soon to be NHLers, who, these days grace the Hockey Hall of Fame. Yes, it's been that long. The Civic, like the old arena in Port Perry, had a distinctive feel and smell to it - almost an aura all its own.

The “New” Scugog Arena celebrated 50 years, in September of 2026. Really? Has it Been THAT long? With this new arena came new memories, for the many generations, who have and will flow through its doors. Time waits for no one.

There have been a host of incredible events along the way. Championships to celebrate. A fantastic Junior C hockey club which recently celebrated its 55th year of existence. There were years when we came, oh, so close. Yet, through it all, the arena has been the ONE place we could gather for games, off-season dances and the like. Small towns celebrate gathering spots like this one. It’s actually pretty cool. Political allegiances are checked at the door. As well as most other differences. There really is nothing quite like the buzz and energy of a crowd in the building enjoying a hockey game.

Also don’t forget the other aspects of this fine building. You can regularly attend a vintage antique show and other events there. Like I said – it is the ultimate gathering spot. Buildings like this one are the lifeblood of the community. Let’s celebrate this and support it for at least another 50 years.