The Weston community is celebrating a significant victory as their cherished hockey rink, the Weston Lions Arena, has been saved from closure after a ten-month battle. For over 75 years, this arena has served as a vital home for hockey, fostering a sense of community and sporting spirit among generations.
Mairri McConnell, a member of the Save Weston Arena group, expressed the deep-rooted history associated with the rink, stating, “There’s generations of families, two, three deep, that still play here, and are grateful that they’ll be able to continue to play here.” The arena was initially slated for demolition to make way for an MLSE Launch Pad, part of a new leasing agreement between the city and Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE). This proposed community center, praised by local politicians, would have introduced various free programming and sports facilities but would not have included hockey.
The community's desire for both the rink and the new center was evident, with McConnell emphasizing, “We have always wanted both and we’re grateful that both are coming to Weston. It was never a decision for us one or the other. Weston deserves both, the youth in Weston deserve both.” Ultimately, the announcement made by local politicians and MLSE on a recent Monday confirmed that the historic ice rink will remain alongside the promised community center.
The news has filled the community with joy. Resident Stefano shared his exhilaration upon receiving the call about the rink’s preservation, declaring, “I was so excited, I was actually at work when I got the call it was staying open and I was jumping for joy, ’cause a part of my childhood and my life is not getting teared down anymore.”
On Tuesday, the tight-knit community gathered to celebrate, with many former players arriving at the rink, including individuals who began their hockey journeys nearly 75 years ago. Longtime resident Glen reflected on the fond memories associated with the arena, stating, “Had a real community here, knew everybody back in the day. I was born in 1943 so it would be like 1951 I started playing in this arena. Just lots of fun times.” He also noted the rink’s unchanged appearance over the decades, saying, “It still looks identical to the day I walked in here.”
Many shared sentiments about the strong community ties fostered within the rink, describing it as a second family and a place filled with positive energy where they felt safe. Even notable NHL superstars like Paul Coffey and Eric Lindros skated at the Weston Lions Arena during their early careers. McConnell’s sons also benefited from the rink, having played youth hockey there and now pursuing professional ambitions in the United States. She emphasized the importance of affordable community arenas, stating, “If it wasn’t for the availability of city-run arenas, arenas like the Lions Club Arena, that made it affordable for families like mine to play, they wouldn’t be living their dream right now.”
As the community anticipates the future of the rink, there is much curiosity regarding potential renovations. The existing ice surface is often hailed as the best in the city due to an old-school design that incorporates sand underneath. This cherished facility continues to be a cornerstone of the Weston community, promising a bright future for hockey and sports in the area.
