Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57
Garth Young Arena @ Mayfield Recreation Complex
12087 Bramalea Road
Caledon East, Ontario
Year Opened: 1980
Capacity: 350
The Admirals are the Head of the Arsenault Table
In 1980, the Henry Carr Crusaders were founded. Like many junior hockey teams of a previous era, the Crusaders were affiliated with a school, in this case, Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School in Toronto. The Crusaders played at the Junior B level in the Metro Junior B Hockey League.
In 1991, the MJBHL declared itself as a Junior A League and became the MetJAHL. At this point, the Crusaders were made independent and played in the same arena as the Weston Dukes. In 1993, the Dukes franchise folded and was moved to Thornhill, Ontario.
David Arsenault came on the scene to rescue the flailing franchise, partnering them with Villanova College in Toronto to become the Villanova Knights. After a few stops along the way, the team would land in the OJHL and eventually the town of Caledon, where they would become the Caledon Admirals. Along with the Junior B Caledon Bombers and the Junior C Caledon Golden Hawks, the Arsenault Hockey Group and David Arsenault can offer a unique linear affiliate system where all three teams play in the same building and support each other.
Home for the Admirals since 2021 has been the Garth Young Arena @ Mayfield Recreation Complex. Built in 1971, the complex is a community hub with a pool and other community rooms between the Town of Caledon and the City of Brampton. The arena is named after Garth Young, a Caledon Parks and Recreation employee who worked tirelessly for 38 years.
Food & Beverage 2
There is a small snack bar in the Garth Young Arena called The Crossbar. Hot dogs, chocolate bars, popcorn, soup, pasta cups, and mini-donuts are available. Gatorade, soda, water, coffee, and tea are the beverage options with Coca-Cola products featured. There is enough here to get by, but no options will blow anyone away. Team swag is also sold at The Crossbar.
Atmosphere 2
The Mayfield Recreation Complex has a simple exterior with grey brick and blue siding. It is clear from the outside how the complex is divided into two main parts, the arena and the pool, with the arena on the right upon entering. Fans are welcomed to a bright, clean, modern lobby before making a right turn to the Garth Young Arena.
Temporary tables for ticket sales and the 50/50 draw will welcome fans before entering the inner lobby. The inner lobby is climate-controlled and has windows that look into the arena, as well as The Crossbar concession window and trophy cases with minor hockey accolades.
The temperature change is significant upon entering the arena. The ice runs from north to south, with the seating on the west side. Above the benches on the east side are banners for the Arsenault Hockey Group, as well as minor hockey championship banners. A simple score clock is found at the south end of the arena.
The seating area consists of four sections of three to five rows of plastic-covered benches. The middle sections are raised above ice level to offer better sightlines. However, one of the sections is essentially taken up by the broadcast team and camera.
The arena does have the common gas heaters above the seating, which were not on for the game that was reviewed, which is not uncommon for arenas this size. The area has a very low ceiling painted white with white siding to make it a bright facility. Capacity is small, with room for 275 seated fans and 75 standing behind the benches.
The gameday production at Admirals games is very simple. The PA system in the Garth Young Arena is pretty terrible, and it is difficult to understand the announcements. The microphone feedback was pretty bad, also. Promotions are simple and centre around the 50/50 draw.
Neighbourhood 3
The Mayfield Recreation Complex is located between the Town of Caledon East, proper and the City of Brampton. It is in a fairly rural area between a secondary school and elementary school, so for pre or post game food and drinks, fans will have to hop in the car. Heading south to Brampton will be the best bet to find chain and fast food restaurants. Heading north to Caledon East will offer a few original options, including Tom’s Family Restaurant, Gabe’s Country Bake Shoppe and Gusto Resto Bar.
For fans looking for other sporting options, there are some options. The Garth Young Arena is also the home to the Caledon Bombers and Caledon Golden Hawks, Junior B, and Junior C hockey teams respectively. The Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL are relocating to Brampton for the beginning of the 2024-25 season. The Brampton Honey Badgers of the CEBL also play during the summer months.
For those interested in golf, there are many courses in the area, including Mayfield and Banty’s Roost, which would be options very early in the hockey season. Also worth consideration is driving north on Bramalea Road and taking a gander at the mansions and estates. For those wishing to stay in the area, there are several hotels available in Brampton, including the Hyatt and Holiday Inn.
Fans 2
The Caledon Admirals attract around 100 fans per game. This ranks them in the bottom third of the OJHL. As a barometer for the league, the top teams attract over 700 fans per game and the bottom is 60. There is some room for improvement here, however, competing with the Bombers and Golden Hawks can’t help. If the Admirals are playing a team from a close location the attendance will be higher. Fans in the stands are relatively laid back, not uncommon for Ontario.
Access 3
Mayfield Recreation Complex is located in a rural area between the Town of Caledon East and the City of Brampton. The complex is much closer to the northern edge of Brampton than Caledon East. Getting to the arena is not too difficult. It is 2 km northeast of Highway 410, which is the main artery from Highway 401. However, Brampton and Greater Toronto Area traffic can be a real issue and the 410 can be quite slow. There is plenty of free parking on site.
For fans wishing to take public transit, Brampton Transit has buses that stop at Mayfield Secondary School. The schedule might not work for hockey, however. Fans should consult the Brampton Transit website for schedules, maps, and fares. Getting around the arena is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are adequate for the size of the facility.
Return on Investment 3
Admirals tickets go for $15 with discounts for seniors, students and youth. Parking at the Mayfield Recreation Complex is free and concession prices are good. Although there are some difficulties with the PA system, the product on the ice is strong and fans should enjoy the experience overall. It is hockey in a simpler form.
Extras 3
An extra mark for naming the arena after long-time employee Garth Young.
An extra mark for the vertical affiliation created by the Arsenault Hockey Group with the Admirals, Bombers, and Golden Hawks. A unique situation in the OHA.
An extra mark for the history of the Admirals and their time affiliated with Secondary Schools.
Final Thoughts
For fans looking for a simpler brand of hockey, the OJHL may be the ticket. A Junior “A” league across the GTA and surrounding area, the OJHL provides a high level of hockey on the ice. A trip to the Caledon Admirals at the Garth Young Arena @ Mayfield Recreation Complex offers cheap entertainment and allows fans to get their hockey fix in.
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