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The exact name has yet to be chosen, but Sarnia’s oldest arena will be renamed in honor of the NHL’s first leading player and member of a legendary Team Canada team.

On May 31, Sarnia City Council agreed to rename the Sarnia Arena in honor of Pat Stapleton. The former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman, who passed away a year ago, has compiled a respected career on the ice followed by decades of mentoring young people in the sport.

Com. Bill Dennis called him a “great” role model for hockey players, but also for the way of life in general.

“It is an honor for me to support the name change of the Sarnia arena in honor of Pat Stapleton,” said Dennis as he tabled a motion which passed with a vote of 6- 2.

Com. Mike Stark said he was “honored” to support Dennis’ motion and noted that other city facilities have been renamed in honor of politicians, city workers and sports figures such as the champion. Mike Weir Golf Club.

“This is in keeping with the honor of our greats of the past,” Stark said.

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Sarnia resident Brian Keelan first pitched the idea shortly after Stapleton’s death on April 8, 2020, at the age of 79. Keelan pointed out that Stapleton, who received Whitey’s nickname for his blonde hair, spent most of his youth playing at the Brock Street South rink and was the first player in the establishment’s 83-year history. to land a full-time position in the then six-team NHL.

He was also a “key” player for Canada in the 1972 summit series against the Soviet Union, Keelan said.

“The greatest game ever played, in terms of Canadian history, and Whitey made us all proud,” he said.

Keelan added that several teammates on the 1972 team “enthusiastically” approved the proposal.

“There have been 10 players on this team who had an arena named after them in their hometown, and Whitey would be the 11th,” he said.

Outside of the rink, Stapleton was a good ambassador for the city and has spoken to thousands of children over the years, Keelan said.

“He’s a guy to remember,” he said.

Keelan started a petition that gathered around 2,100 signatures, including four to city council, shortly after Stapleton’s death anniversary and the idea was recently released for public comment. The city clerk’s office received 73 responses, with 48 in favor, 21 against and four different suggestions.

The two main reasons for opposing the idea included the achievements in the sport by other Sarnians and the importance of remembering the history of the arena, which was built in 1948 on the backs of volunteers. local.

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“We must not forget the people who made this installation a possibility,” said Coun. Margaret Bird, one of two councilors to vote against the proposal.

Com. Dave Boushy, who spoke the other against, suggested using one citizen’s idea to keep the Sarnia Arena name while adding “Home of Hockey Legend Pat Stapleton” to the outside sign. But Brian White, acting mayor in Mike Bradley’s absence, said it flies in the face of Dennis’ motion calling for him to be renamed.

Bird also said changing the name of the rink could be confusing for tourists, who typically refer to buildings by their location. White said he was not concerned about this issue due to the availability of GPS maps.

A name like Pat Stapleton Sarnia Arena, similar to the Andrew S. Brandt Marina in Sarnia Bay, would avoid confusion, White added.

“We need heroes,” he said, “and for those who love hockey, Pat Stapleton is someone you can draw inspiration from. “

Keelan, who also wants to set up a hall of fame-type monument inside the arena, suggested forming a committee to determine which players would be honored and to budget and raise the necessary funds.

“It would be my goal to have this done by September 2022, which marks the 50th anniversary of Team Canada’s victory,” said Keelan. “Something that… Pat really wanted to be a part of and promote.”

Stark said he heard the figure of $ 30,000 “handed out” for the budget and asked if this was a reasonable figure for the group to fundraise to cover its costs. Keelan said he thought it would be “easy enough”, but added that he expected them to find “a lot” more than that.

“It’s about more than just putting a sign on the outside of this building,” Keelan said.