Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Hagersville Memorial Arena
36 Sherring Street North
Hagersville, Ontario
Year Opened: 1956
Capacity: 500
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Hagersville’s Gem
Normally thought of as a hotbed for lacrosse, the community of Hagersville has a little hockey history as well. Hagersville is immediately south of the Mississaugas of the Credit Reservation and the famed Iroquois Lacrosse Arena has a Hagersville address, which explains the link to lacrosse. Hagersville is a community of around 3,100 in Haldimand County and is home to the Hagersville Hawks of the Junior C, PJHL Bloomfield Division. Hagersville is also known for being the birthplace of Jay Silverheels, Tonto from 1950s Lone Ranger TV show and Rush’s Neil Peart. Four-time Olympic Hockey Medalist Becky Kellar also calls Hagersville home and her accomplishments are celebrated outside the arena. The Hawks began in 1992 as a Junior D team where they were very successful. They moved to the Niagara Junior C Hockey League in 2013, which was eventually absorbed into the PJHL.
The Hagersville Memorial Arena is a throwback arena, one of those arenas where patrons comment that they “don’t make them like this anymore.” The arena was built in 1956 and has a capacity of 500. It is a truly unique facility and a place that truly needs to be experienced.
Food & Beverage 3
In the lobby of the Hagersville Arena there is Mel’s Snack Shop, a small concession. Hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, candy, chocolate, chips and cookies are on the menu. Coke and Pepsi products are available as well as coffee, tea, juice, energy drinks, Gatorade, water and slushies. Upstairs, beer and alcohol are available in the Blueline Club.
Atmosphere 4
The exterior of Hagersville Arena features dark siding with a peaked roof and grey brick. It is clear that the lobby was an addition at one point. A sign displaying the accomplishments of Becky Kellar is right in front of the arena for all fans to see upon entry. Entering the arena, fans come to a small lobby and are met with temporary tables to facilitate ticket sales and the 50/50 draw. Trophy cases in the lobby have a number of interesting nuggets and artifacts. One case is specifically dedicated to the Hawks and houses all of the awards that the Hawks present annually. Past the lobby, into the arena fans are struck by the uniqueness of the facility.
Wooden support beams meet at a high peak over the ice to support the roof with silver insulation. There is not a ton of space in this arena, but they definitely make the most of it in Hagersville. The ice surface is southeast to northwest oriented. To see the centre ice logo and get that perfect picture, fans will want to be on the short, northwest end, which is unique in and of itself. The Blueline Club is in a room above the lobby on the northwest end and has windows that look out to the ice. A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II hangs above the benches on the northeast side and further aids with that old school atmosphere. A small pressbox is found on the opposite side and welcomes everyone to the Hawks Nest. The walls are littered with minor hockey banners. Championship banners from the Junior D days hang on the southeast end along with a banner honouring the accomplishments of Becky Kellar. New scoreboards hang on each end below the wooden peaks and were funded by Hawks superfan Murray Johnson. The southeast scoreboard has his picture right beside it. The Blueline Club also has the Hagersville Wall of Fame and more artifacts from team's past. The seating in the arena consists of wooden bleachers with four rows in each section that are quite steep. The entirety of the bleacher sections are made of wood, not just the planks to sit on.
The gameday production is pretty simple in Hagersville, but also a bit unique compared to other PJHL experiences. A 50/50 draw and program raffles are the promotions. The Hawks actually have two different announcers. A young girl announces the penalties and goals, while an older man does more of the hyping of the crowd. It provides an interesting dynamic that is unique. A red goal light and siren speakers sit atop the press box and signify a Hawks goal.
Neighbourhood 2
Hagersville is located southeast of Brantford. It has the small town feel to it and there are a few options for pre or post game food or drink. Plank Road Taps & Grill, Rise n’ Shine Cafe, Rollins Smokehouse, Burger Barn and MJ’s Diner are all options. The Six Nations Arrows and Six Nations Chiefs, among other junior lacrosse teams, call the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena home, but play during the summer months. For other sporting options, heading to Paris or Brantford or taking in the rival Dundas Blues or Glanbrook Rangers would be the best idea. Chiefswood Historic Site and Bell Homestead are other tourist options. For fans wishing to stay in the area, Jays Motel and Restaurant is an option along with other B&B spots. Heading into Simcoe or Brantford would be the best idea for chain hotels.
Fans 3
It is difficult to assess fans in the PJHL as many teams do not publish attendance figures and the league does not compile the statistics for comparison. The Hagersville Hawks average around 200 fans per game. At the time of writing, in the 2024-25 season, the Hawks averaged 202 fans per game and 216 the previous season. The fans that are in attendance are generally loud and supportive of the team, a bit more than the average team.
Access 4
Hagersville Memorial Arena is located in the community of Hagersville, part of Haldimand County. It is in the northeast corner of Sherring Street and Athens Street. Getting to the arena is not difficult. It is just east of Highway 6, which runs south from Hamilton. There is free parking on site. For fans wishing to take public transit, there is some limited transit that services Hagersville. Fans should consult the Southern Ontario Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. The age of Hagersville Memorial can make getting around a little bit of a challenge, but not too bad. Those with mobility issues may find the seating area a bit challenging. The washrooms are adequate for the facility.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets for the Hagersville Hawks are $10 with students and seniors getting in for $8 and children only $3. Parking is free and concession prices are good. The product on the ice is decent in the PJHL, but experiencing a classic facility like Hagersville Arena puts the experience over the top and makes the return that much better.
Extras 3
An extra mark for the Hagersville Memorial Arena as a classic, old-school hockey barn.
An extra mark for the Hagersville Arena as a community hub and the Hawks as a team with a strong community feel to them.
An extra mark for the rivalry Hagersville has with Glanbrook, Dundas and other members of the Bloomfield Division.
Final Thoughts
There is something to be said for getting to experience hockey in an old-school hockey barn like the Hagersville Memorial Arena while it is still possible. Taking in a Hagersville Hawks game offers a glimpse into the past when hockey was a simpler game. Fans will definitely love the arena and will make plans for a return!
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