Our teams and community can once again call the arena our home starting November 27th and NEW ARENA PICTURES!
After months of anticipation and adapting to temporary changes, the Newcastle Village Minor Hockey Association (NVMHA) is thrilled to welcome back its teams and community to the newly renovated Newcastle Memorial Arena. This significant milestone marks not just a return to our beloved home ground but also the culmination of a remarkable journey of resilience and teamwork.
The journey began earlier this year when the Municipality of Clarington announced a comprehensive $4-million renovation project for the Newcastle Memorial Arena. The extensive upgrade included a new rink floor and refrigerated ice pad, a state-of-the-art refrigeration system, updated rink boards, penalty boxes, benches, and spectator safety glass. Additional improvements comprised a fully accessible washroom, a revamped entrance, exterior paintwork, and the addition of two new change rooms, increasing the total to six.
While these renovations were necessary for enhancing our facilities, they posed a significant challenge for the NVMHA. The 2023-2024 season commenced with our teams spreading out across various arenas in the Clarington area, including Harman Park Arena in Oshawa, Bowmanville Rickard Center, Darlington Sports Complex, and Del Park Arena in Oshawa. This transition was made possible thanks to the support of the Municipality of Clarington, the dedicated efforts of everyone involved in NVMHA and the membership support through this difficult time.
As we celebrate the completion of the renovations, NVMHA is excited to announce that all ice times, including games and practices, will return to the Newcastle Memorial Arena starting November 27th. This move symbolizes not just a physical return to our home base but also a reunion of our community spirit and passion for hockey.
Teams are advised to check their updated Team Calendars for new dates and times. Scheduling is never a perfect science but we have tried our best to accommodate every age group, especially when it comes to less than ideal time slots:
- For the Mites/U7 age group, times will be static except for a rotating the early Tuesday times so teams are on at 5pm one week then 6pm the next week; hopefully to alleviate some stress for families.
- The U8/U9 groups will have static practices on Saturdays and rotating home games on Sundays and Thursdays.
- The U11 LL will enjoy static ice times along with their games.
- For the U13-U18 LL practice and game times will rotate, ensuring equitable access to late night and Friday slots.
- All Rep Teams can look forward to a fairly static schedule.
This year has been a testament to the strength and adaptability of the NVMHA community. The challenges we faced have only fortified our commitment to the sport and to each other. As we step into the renovated Newcastle Memorial Arena, we carry with us the lessons of perseverance and the joy of coming together as one resilient hockey family.
For any questions regarding scheduling please contact [email protected].
Arena Reopening Celebration
Enjoy pictures of the new rink below or see it in person at the Arena Reopening Celebration on Saturday, November 25th!
The official ceremony starts at 1pm with a free public skate following at 1:30pm-3pm.
