Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
Stayner Memorial Arena
269 Regina Street
Stayner, ON L0M 1S0
Year Opened: 1987
Capacity: 300
Stayner Alive!
One of the cornerstone franchises in Junior C hockey is the Stayner Siskins. Established in 1972 as a Junior D team, the team was promoted to Junior C in its second season. The Siskins were successful winning four titles in Junior D playdowns. In 2012, Junior D as a division was eliminated and folded into Junior C.
In 2016, all Junior C leagues merged to become the Provincial Junior Hockey League. Playing in the Carruthers Division, the Siskins have won the Carruthers Division 3 times since the merger and were regular season champions 5 times in the same period. The Siskins were Georgian Bay Champions 5 times from 1988-1994 and GMO Champions 3 times from 1995 until the merger.
Home for the Siskins is the Stayner Arena. A community hub that was built in 1987 also houses a community centre and the Clearview Township Public Library. With a modest capacity of 300, Thursday night has become hockey night in Stayner. The most famous alumnus of the Stayner Siskins is former NHL star Jason Arnott, who was born in nearby Collingwood and raised in Wasaga Beach, the two towns Stayner finds itself between. The town of Stayner is central to agricultural areas and has a small population of almost 4,700 people.
Food & Beverage 3
Stayner Arena has a small, snack bar-style concession in the lobby that is operated by the Lion’s Club. Fries, hot dogs, chocolate, chips, and candy are on the menu. Soda, Gatorade, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are the soft drinks available. A couple of vending machines can also be found in the lobby. To the left of the concession window is another window where beer is available with products provided by the nearby Collingwood Brewery, including a Siskins branded beer.
Atmosphere 3
The Stayner Arena has an extremely simple exterior. The arena portion is found on the west side and has a dark siding with a couple of signs on the exterior. Entry is just to the east of the arena, where the lobby is found, which separates the arena from the community centre. It is a little more modern looking with light brick and glass.
Upon entering the arena, fans will find themselves in a vestibule welcomed by a pair of free-standing banners advertising Siskins Alumni who have played at high levels and Siskins who have played in the OHL. The vestibule also contains a pair of trophy cases, which are filled with minor hockey accolades.
Entry into the main lobby brings fans to temporary tables where tickets are purchased, and 50/50 tickets are sold. In the lobby, the concession windows are to the right, with windows looking out to the ice surface to the left. Tables and chairs are there to allow fans to watch the action on the ice from the warm comfort of the lobby.
Items of note in the lobby include the framed jersey of Graham McNabb, who would go on to play for the Brampton Battalion and was a local product of Stayner Minor Hockey. The other framed jersey is a little easier to recognize than that of Jason Arnott. Arnott was born in Collingwood and raised in Wasaga Beach, which Stayner finds itself between. Arnott would play the 1989-90 season for the Siskins and eventually go on to be drafted number seven overall in the 1993 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers.
Entering the arena area, fans will be struck by the temperature change. Stayner Arena is quite cold, and the use of the gas heaters above the seating area is questionable at best. Bringing a blanket from the car is not an uncommon practice. The ice surface runs from west to east, with the seating only on the south side.
The seating consists of five rows of blue-painted wooden benches raised above the ice level with a walkway and standing room behind. Light-painted, low arch support beams cross the structure, and the ceiling has the typical silver insulation in between. This is a common design for arenas at this level. The simple hockey score clock hangs on the west wall with several minor hockey and lacrosse championship banners.
Above the scoreclock is the Canadian flag and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which was once common in arenas in Ontario. The north and east walls are littered with ads for local businesses. Hanging just above the Siskins’ bench are PJHL North Conference Championship banners for 2022 and 2023. These seem to be the only banners that the Siskins claim, which is curious due to their significant history.
New for the 2024-2025 season is the “Best Seats in the House,” a small bar-like perch at the top of the seating at centre ice which features high top, cushioned seats, and hockey sticks as part of the gates. These seats are used for promotion.
The gameday production in Stayner is fairly simple. Music is played over the PA system during stoppages and intermissions, and typical announcements are presented throughout the game. The PA system is not the worst at this level. However, it is not the best either, and announcements are sometimes a challenge to understand.
Neighbourhood 3
Stayner is located south of the Nottawasaga Bay inlet of Georgian Bay, between Collingwood and Wasaga Beach. It is in Clearview Township, which is part of Simcoe County. The town Stayner itself is not very large and has a typical small-town downtown area. There are a few spots for pre or post game food and drink including Angie’s Place, Kitchen Savvy, Honey Monster, 1904 Social Haus, Bluewater Fish & Grill and Charlie’s Diner.
The Stayner Siskins are the only game in town during the winter, although the Clearview Crushers of the senior Ontario Series Lacrosse call the Stayner Arena home during the summer. Hockey is also found, at different levels, in neighbouring Creemore, Wasaga Beach and Collingwood.
The Collingwood Blues of the OJHL are the most predominant of the group. The area is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors with many neighbouring beaches, trails, golf courses, and skiing at Blue Mountain Resort. Taking a tour of Creemore Brewery, just south of Stayner, is a good tourist option as well. For those wishing to stay in the area, Gables B&B is an option, or heading to one of the hotels at Blue Mountain is optimal.
Fans 4
Stayner Arena has a modest capacity of 300. It is clear that the Siskins are a significant draw in the area as they consistently average near capacity crowds each season. The 2023-24 season saw the Siskins average 298 fans per game, up from the previous season’s 274. Comparing figures in the PJHL is challenging due to a lack of published attendance figures, however it is clear that Stayner’s attendance figures would put them in the top third of the league. Fans in attendance are supportive of the team and loud at the right moments.
Access 4
Stayner Arena is located at the north edge of the town of Stayner in Clearview Township. Getting to the arena is not difficult. It is 1 km from the junction of Highways 42 and 26, which can be a busy intersection. Travelling through town is a necessity but traffic should not be an issue.
There is plenty of parking for patrons on site. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there is limited transit service between communities, which stops at the community centre. Fans should consult the Clearview Public Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. It is questionable if transit will support the needs of the hockey fan on gamenight. Getting around the arena is not terribly difficult.
The lobby will be a bit crowded during intermissions and before the game starts. Washroom facilities are small, but not terrible for the venue. The arena is very cold and fans should be prepared, especially early in the season when the outdoor temperatures are significantly higher than in the arena.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets for the Stayner Siskins are purchased at the door and go for $12 for adults. Cash or debit are accepted. Parking on site or on the street is free and concession prices are good. The Siskins put a good product on the ice and fans will get a true sense of community taking in a Siskins game. Considering the low investment, the return is excellent.
Extras 3
An extra mark for the Stayner Siskins being a centrepiece of the community.
An extra mark for the unique Siskins name, which refers to a small bird similar to a goldfinch.
An extra mark for the longevity of the Siskins, playing for over 50 years.
Final Thoughts
Taking in hockey in a small community is different and the Stayner Siskins offer a glimpse into small town life and the support of their local hockey team. The Stayner Arena is a hub for the community and a decent venue for the level of hockey being played here. Taking in a Stayner Siskins game will not disappoint.
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