LumberJacks bring community together for first-ever Fun Day

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

SCUGOG: As summer wound to a close last week, Scugog Arena was buzzing with excitement, on Wednesday, August 27th, as the Port Perry LumberJacks welcomed fans of all ages to their inaugural Junior LumberJacks Fun Day.

The event which stretched from the afternoon into the evening, offered far more than just hockey. Families strolled between activities, with the clang of road hockey sticks echoing outside, the splash of the dunk tank drawing laughter from kids, and the sweet jingle of the ice cream bus adding to the festive atmosphere. Inside the arena, the future of the LumberJacks program was on full display, as Under-8, Under-9, and Under-10/11 players took to the ice for spirited games, skating hard in front of friends and family.

By the time the main event rolled around, a pre-season tilt against the rival Little Britain Merchants, the stands were packed and the community’s energy was palpable. The game didn’t go Port Perry’s way, as the LumberJacks were edged out 2-1. Still, the night felt more like a celebration than a scoreboard check.

Adding to the sense of occasion, the team unveiled its brand-new bus, wrapped in LumberJacks colours and logos, courtesy of new sponsor DeNure Tours. The unveiling drew cheers from the crowd and plenty of photo ops, as fans got their first look at the vehicle which will carry the team across the province, throughout the 2025–26 Provincial Junior Hockey League season.

For, Director of Business and Hockey Operations, Brad Bricknell, the event marked an important step forward in strengthening ties between the team and the community. “We’ve talked a lot about how we want the LumberJacks to be more than just a hockey team,” Bricknell said. “Today showed, when you bring people together: kids, families, players, alumni, there’s a real sense of pride in what we’re building here in Port Perry.”

General Manager, Tom Parish echoed those sentiments, saying, seeing so many young players wearing their LumberJacks jerseys was a reminder of why the team matters. “This was about creating memories,” Mr. Parish explained. “Those kids on the ice and participating in these other activities are the future of this program. Having them celebrate alongside our team helps build a culture which stretches from the minor hockey right up to the junior level.”

The LumberJacks compete in the Orr Division, of the Provincial Junior Hockey League, a circuit known for its fierce rivalries and small-town passion. That rivalry will take centre stage when Port Perry begins the regular season, with a road trip to Little Britain, on Saturday, September 13th. The home opener follows the very next day, Sunday, September 14th, when the Merchants come to Scugog Arena, for a 2:25 p.m. puck drop.

Win or lose, the first Fun Day showed, the LumberJacks are carving out their place at the heart of the community.