Scugog Arena marks half a century with weekend celebration

DARRYL KNIGHT The Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Five decades of hockey, skating, friendships, and community memories will be celebrated this weekend as the Scugog Arena marks its 50th anniversary. Residents past and present are invited to take part in a full day of festivities on Saturday, September 19th, honouring the people and events which have made the Port Perry arena an important part of the community since it opened. For 50 years, the Scugog Arena has served as a gathering place for athletes, families, volunteers, and fans, hosting everything from hockey and figure skating to ringette, broomball, lacrosse, and ball hockey. Generations have passed through its doors, many with stories that remain closely tied to the facility. “This arena has been a cornerstone of our community for half a century,” said Mayor Wilma Wotten. “It’s where friendships were formed, championships were celebrated, and countless volunteers dedicated their time to building something truly special. This anniversary is about recognizing those contributions and celebrating the role the arena continues to play in bringing people together.” The anniversary festivities will begin with a Community Open House from 1 to 4 p.m., offering residents an opportunity to look back through historic photographs, memorabilia, and displays representing the arena’s history. Organizers are also encouraging residents to share their own stories and photos as part of the celebration. Former arena employee Iain Cooper, who first began working at the facility as a high school student, said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the many roles the arena has played in the community. “I’ve spent more hours than I can count here, whether it was working, playing, coaching, or just watching from the stands,” Mr. Cooper said. “It’s more than just a building. It’s part of who we are as a community. Being able to look back and share those memories is really special.” Hockey will also take centre stage during the anniversary weekend, with the Port Perry LumberJacks taking to the ice for Provincial Junior Hockey League action against the Scarborough Knights. For the LumberJacks, who have called the arena home for generations, the game provides a fitting connection between the facility’s history and its ongoing role in the community. “This is a really special opportunity for us to be part of the arena’s 50th anniversary,” said Director of Business and Hockey Operations Brad Bricknell. “The LumberJacks and this arena have so much history together, and generations of players, families, and fans have come through these doors. To be able to celebrate that history with the community and then have the team on the ice makes it an even more memorable weekend.” The anniversary celebrations will continue into the evening with a 50th Anniversary Dance for those 19 and older, running from 7 p.m. to midnight. The event will feature a live DJ, light refreshments, and bar service, with music spanning generations. Matt Wilson, another local resident, said he’s looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces during the anniversary festivities. “Events like this bring everyone back together,” Mr. Wilson said. “You run into old teammates, coaches, and friends you haven’t seen in years. It’s going to be a great night to celebrate everything the arena has meant to so many people.” The LumberJacks will then close out the weekend with another highly anticipated home-ice matchup on Sunday at 2:25 p.m., when they welcome the archrival Uxbridge Bruins for the first Battle of North Durham of the 2026-27 PJHL season. The rivalry between Port Perry and Uxbridge has long been one of the highlights of the local junior hockey schedule, adding another community-focused event to a weekend already centred on the sport and the arena’s history. Tickets for the anniversary dance are $20 for individuals or $30 for pairs and can be purchased online or at the arena. With activities taking place throughout the weekend, organizers hope the 50th anniversary will provide an opportunity for the community to remember the arena’s past while looking ahead to the next generation of memories. After 50 years, the Scugog Arena remains more than a place to play hockey or lace up skates. For many in the community, it is a place where generations have grown up, friendships have been made, and memories have been created, making its golden anniversary a milestone worth celebrating.