Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
Eddie Bush Memorial Arena
96 Hurontario Street
Collingwood, Ontario
Year Opened: 1949
Capacity: 1,200
Definitely Not Singing the Blues in Collingwood
The town of Collingwood, Ontario is located in possibly the most perfect place in the province. Right on Nottawasaga Bay, an inlet of Georgian Bay and within minutes of Blue Mountain, one of Ontario’s top ski resort areas, Collingwood is a tourist haven and desirable location for living … and they have the Collingwood Blues who play in an amazing old-time hockey arena.
The Collingwood Blues joined the OJHL in 2019 and have quickly become one of the most successful teams in the Junior A league. Mike Jackson GM, a local car dealership, is the team’s title sponsor. The Blues are named for their proximity to Blue Mountain, and are owned by Dave Steele. They are back to back Buckland Cup Champions in 2023 and 2024 and went on to capture the Centennial Cup as Junior A National Champions in 2024.
Eddie Bush Memorial Arena is a classic old hockey barn built in 1949. It is owned by the town and named after Eddie Bush, the Collingwood native who played 26 NHL games in the forties and was interim head coach of the Kansas City Scouts for 32 games.
Food & Beverage 3
The west end of the arena is where fans will find the concession options. Popcorn, poutine, pizza, fries, hot dogs, burgers, nachos and chicken fingers can be found on the menu. Local favourite, Mr. Norm’s Ice Cream is also available. The main stand also serves soda, coffee and tea for soft drinks. A beer stand is inside the arena in the southwest corner. They offer a number of local craft beers from Collingwood and Northwoods breweries.
Atmosphere 4
Many have driven through downtown Collingwood and never noticed Eddie Bush Memorial Arena. The front of the arena, on Hurontario Street, fits right into the downtown vibe. The main entry to the arena is just to the side of the clock tower and town offices. The bell tower still chimes on the hour and there will be plenty of people taking pictures by the “CWood” sign. The brown brick clock tower and arched facade is the centrepiece of downtown. Locally painted Muskoka Chairs dot the downtown and are a feature of Collingwood. There is some art located on the exterior south wall that welcomes fans in from the parking lot.
As fans pass through the main entrance, they are welcomed by plenty of Blues markings as well as the Collingwood Sports Wall of Fame. The Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame is found inside the Founders Lounge at the west end of the arena and there are plenty of photos and artifacts that are there for the exploring. It may require sneaking in as it is a VIP lounge.
Inside the arena fans are welcomed with the aura of an old-school, hockey barn. From the peaked roof with silver insulation over hardwood, to the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the east end, to the old paintings on the walkway walls, fans are inundated with a feeling of nostalgia for a time past. However, the Town of Collingwood has not left Eddie Bush Arena back in outdated mode.
The ice runs from west to east and the centre logo can be viewed from the south side. Travel is done behind the seating on the north and south sides of the arena, with stepping down to ice level at the east and west ends a necessity. The seating is made up of blue, modern plastic seats and unlike the majority of venues in the OJHL, Collingwood has reserved seating at the point of purchase.
Above the Founders Lounge in the west end are a plethora of championship banners for minor hockey while the OJHL Championship banners hang on the east side with the flags. A massive Blues goalie mask is propped up in the northeast corner, adding to the ambience. A brand new, four-sided video board hangs above centre ice.
The gameday production is not too over the top and fairly traditional. Typical promotions including a 50/50 draw, Chuck-a-puck and intermission centre ice shot are all present. A local minor hockey player is the first to take the ice with a Blues flag at the beginning of the game and the mascot, Eddie, can be found moving around the crowd. The PA system is not the greatest and announcements can be difficult to understand.
Neighbourhood 5
Eddie Bush Memorial Arena is located right in Downtown Collingwood on the north side of town. It is a mere three blocks from the waterfront of Nottawasaga Bay. There are a ton of spots for food or drink before or after the game. Black Bellows Brewing is right next door to the arena and a popular pregame stop. Other options include 1858 Caesar Bar, Gibson & Co, Prime Seven Nine, The Huron Club and The Iron Skillet.
There are not many other spectator sports in the area. The Stayner Siskins of the PJHL are not too far as well as the new Wasaga River Dragons of the GMHL. However, Blue Mountain Ski Resort is one of the top ski resorts in Ontario and it is just minutes from Collingwood. Early in the season fans may be interested in playing a round at one of the numerous golf courses in the area.
Other tourist attractions in the area include Collingwood Museum, the Historic Gayety Theatre or one of the local beaches. There are a number of independent hotels or boutique inns in the area. The Comfort Inn is a good option in town.
Fans 5
Hockey fans in Collingwood are among the class of the OJHL. In the 2022 season the Blues averaged over 580 fans per game, which was the best in the league. For 2023 the team fell to second, but attracted nearly 750 fans per game. It is not unheard of for the Eddie Bush Arena to sell out for games or attract over 1,000 fans. The fans are knowledgeable and supportive of the team.
Access 3
Getting to the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena is not difficult. It is located on Hurontario Street with Ste. Marie Street to the East. Highway 26 enters Collingwood from the east and 124 from the south. As with most small towns, traversing some of the town to get to the arena is necessary but not difficult. Parking can be a challenge so getting there early is the best plan. There is a lot just south of the arena that requires payment through an app until 6. Otherwise, street parking could be an option. There is public transit along Hurontario and Ontario streets. Fans should consult the Colltrans website for fares, maps and schedules.
There are plenty of stairs inside Eddie Bush Memorial Arena and traveling 360 degrees around is not the easiest requiring some stairs. However, this is not uncommon for an older arena. The washrooms are not huge in the arena.
Return on Investment 5
OJHL hockey is a bargain for the sporting dollar. Seating can be purchased online and is reserved, which is abnormal for this level of hockey. However, it is welcomed given the large season ticket base which has reserved seating. Adult tickets are $15 for seated or standing room. This is average for the league. Friday nights are hockey night in Collingwood and attract the biggest crowds. Concession prices are decent and parking should be found at no charge. The action on the ice is high calibre and the atmosphere is solid. Overall, a great value.
Extras 3
An extra mark for the Collingwood Blues being the only game in town.
An extra mark for the strong community support in Collingwood.
An extra mark for the display of history in the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena.
Final Thoughts
Being able to enjoy hockey in one of the top resort towns in Ontario is a treat. The Eddie Bush Memorial Arena offers that old-school hockey barn aura, with plenty of history to take in while offering modern comfort. The Collingwood Blues have excellent fan support and put a great product together. In Collingwood, nobody is singing the Blues.
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