Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Schout Performance Arena @ Wilmot Recreation Complex
1291 Nafziger Road
Baden, ON N3A 0C4
Year Opened: 2007
Capacity: 750
Wilmot Fire
Junior C hockey is just a bit different. Whether it is the small towns or the cold arenas or the local advertisement on the jersey where the player’s name would traditionally be found, hockey at the Junior C level in Ontario is an animal unto itself. One of the oldest hockey franchises in the Junior C, Provincial Junior Hockey League is the New Hamburg Firebirds. Founded in 1953 as the New Hamburg Legion Jrs, the Firebirds spent time as the CL RothsHahns and the Spirit 83’s before settling on the Firebirds in 1997. The Firebirds currently play in the South Doherty Division of the PJHL. The Firebirds have enjoyed some success over the years, bringing home seven league or conference titles as well as the ultimate prize, the Schmalz Cup as champions of Junior C hockey, on two occasions.
Home for the Firebirds is the Schout Performance Arena @ Wilmot Recreation Complex. Built in 2007, the Wilmot Recreation Complex is located in Wilmot Township, between the towns of New Hamburg and Baden. Previous to moving to the Rec Complex, the Firebirds played in the town of New Hamburg, proper, but have retained the New Hamburg moniker even after moving out of town. The Wilmot Recreation Complex acts as a community hub for the entire township with a pair of ice rinks, a swimming pool, community rooms and sports fields.
Food & Beverage 3
The main concession at the Wilmot Recreation Complex is found on the main floor in the lobby and not only services Schout Performance Arena, but the entire complex. Traditional snack bar fare is found here including hot dogs, burgers, fries, onion rings, chicken fingers, candy, chocolate, popcorn and nachos, along with bagels, fruit and Kraft Dinner. Beverage options include soda, water, slushies, milk coffee, tea and hot chocolate. In the upper lobby on game days, the Blueline Club offers a limited selection of beer options.
Atmosphere 4
The exterior of the Wilmot Recreation Complex has a modern, attractive look with brown brick, light siding and glass at the main entry. The arena area has a curious blue on the moderately sloped arch roof. Fans entering the main entrance on the hockey side of the building, will be brought into a bright, attractive, modern lobby. Walking into the lobby, fans pass right under the “Wall of Fame” which features team pictures of minor hockey championship teams. The lobby has a number of interesting nuggets for treasure hunters to peruse including plenty of old photos and trophy cases for the Firebirds and other local sports. Entry to the Schout Performance Arena is found up the stairs and an upper lobby welcomes patrons with more historic nuggets. Of note upstairs are the trophy cases dedicated to local historic spots in New Hamburg, complete with historic timelines and artifacts. The New Hamburg Arboretum and Movie Theatre are presented here. Although the Complex services the entirety of Wilmot Township, including the communities of Baden and New Dundee, it seems very New Hamburg centric. The upper lobby also has windows that look out to the ice surface. Firebirds merchandise and 50/50 tickets are sold from temporary tables in the upper lobby.
Inside the Schout Performance Arena, fans will be welcomed to the ice surface which is southeast-northwest oriented. Seven rows of blue arena seats are found on the northeast side with one row of benches at the top and small counters behind, perfect for the very popular standing room. A path behind the standing room also offers a peek into the other rink. Above and below the windows on the southeast end that look in from the upper lobby, are two rows of minor hockey championship banners. On the northwest side, the Firebirds have created an impressive, neat and concise display of championship banners from the franchises different eras, complete with dates for each team era. At the end of the championship banner is the retired number 5 of Firebird Brad Roote, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 1990, while still a player.
The gameday production at a firebirds game is very simple, including the steadfast promotions found in seemingly every Junior C hockey experience, the 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck. The PA system is decent and music is played during the warmups and stoppages in play.
Neighbourhood 3
The Wilmot Recreation Complex is located in a rural area between the communities of Baden and New Hamburg. There is not much of anything within walking distance of the complex so using the car and heading east or west for pre or post game food and drink is a necessity. The Baden Hotel is a decent spot in Baden and some options in New Hamburg include Scam & Dram, The Old Country and Mother Flockers in New Hamburg. The Firebirds are definitely the top draw when it comes to sports in Wilmot Township. The beauty of the Doherty Division is the extremely close proximity of the rivals and trips to see the Wellesley Applejacks, Woodstock Navy Vets and Tavistock Braves are just a few minutes in the car. As far as other sporting options, heading west to Stratford or east to Kitchener-Waterloo is necessary. Other tourist options include Castle Kilbride and Moparfest. For fans wishing to stay in the area, Puddicombe House and Newburg Inn are options, otherwise KW or Stratford will be necessary.
Fans 4
Assessing fans in the PJHL is challenging as attendance stats are not published or congregated by the league. The Firebirds normally attract over 400 fans per game. The 2024-25 season has the Firebirds averaging 446 fans per game, at the time of writing. The previous season saw the Firebirds attract 408 fans per game. Firebird fans are knowledgeable and supportive and louder than other fan bases, but not over the top.
Access 4
The Wilmot Recreation Complex is located between the communities of New Hamburg and Baden on Nafziger Road. The complex is easily accessible from Highway 8, which is the largest highway in the area. There is plenty of free parking on the premises for patrons. For fans wishing to take public transit, there is a Grand River Transit link to Wilmot that stops at the Recreation Complex. However, it may not be feasible to rely on transit for Firebirds games. Fans should consult the Grand River Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the Wilmot Recreation Complex is not too difficult, however there are plenty of stairs getting to the upper lobby and then the Schout Performance Arena. Washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. The entry system is a bit convoluted as patrons must purchase a ticket, and are handed a “beer” ticket, which must immediately be turned in for a paper bracelet which allows entry to the Schout Performance Arena.
Return on Investment 5
Junior C hockey is definitely a bargain. Tickets for the New Hamburg Firebirds can be had for $10. Students and seniors get in for $7 and children are only $5. Parking at the complex is free and concession prices are what one would expect. The Firebirds are usually competitive and the product on the ice is good.
Extras 2
An extra mark for the embracing and display of history at the Wilmot Recreation Complex.
An extra mark for the Wilmot Recreation Complex as a community hub linking the communities of Wilmot Township.
Final Thoughts
Taking in some Junior C hockey at the Wilmot Recreation Complex is not a bad idea at all. The New Hamburg Firebirds ice a good product and provide a good, comfortable atmosphere for Junior C hockey.
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