More Than Just a Game: Hockey in Whitby
Arenas: The Early Days
Panels
Arenas: The Early DaysArenas: Present DayWhitby Hockey TeamsWhitby Dunlops: The Early DaysWhitby Dunlops: Present DayA closer look at hockey teams from Whitby's past
Construction of Burns Arena Details
Did you know that Whitby has been a good ol’ hockey town since the 1890s? One of Whitby’s first arenas was the Whitby Curling arena built in 1880 at the corner of Brock and Mary Streets. It was destroyed by fire in 1888 and a new arena was built in 1889 by George Cormack and William Barnes. The frame structure was constructed on the block bound by Brock, Ontario, Green and Gilbert Streets and was used for skating, curling and hockey.
Taylor's Arena, 1951 Details
The ice rink in the arena constructed in 1889 was too small to be used for hockey so it was later enlarged by Fred Burns in 1913. After Burns passed away in 1932, the arena was managed by Norman and Ernie Taylor and later by the Whitby Kinsmen Club. In 1953, it was dismantled and a new arena, the Whitby Community Arena, built in its place.
Brooklin Memorial Arena, 1954 Details
The Brooklin Memorial Arena was built in 1948 at the west end of Community Park on Winchester Road. It was constructed by volunteers out of material from buildings used during World War II in Ajax. Built as a memorial to the Whitby Township war veterans from the First and Second World Wars, the arena officially opened on November 6, 1949.
Whitby Community Arena, 1954 Details
The Whitby Community Arena was built in 1953/54 to replace Taylor’s Arena. It officially opened on September 29, 1954 with a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Pittsburgh Hornets. The new arena faced onto Ontario Street and was 248 feet long and 96 feet wide.
