VIDEO: Players say farewell to McMeeken in final hockey game

It’s the end of an era in the city’s west-end.

The W.J. McMeeken Centre held its last ever hockey game Sunday night as players from the Women’s Hockey League gave the iconic rink one last hurrah.

Prior to the arena's last ever opening puck drop, all the players and referees gathered at center ice for a ceremonial faceoff.

Jodi Martin’s goal at 10:29 of the first period would be the game winner as her team, playing under the sponsorship of Algoma Family Services Foundation, would blank AES Solar by a score of 4-0.

But the night wasn’t about the scoresheet.

“It’s bittersweet to be here at the last game and be done here,” AFS player Mallory Marinich says. “I’ve been playing at the McMeeken since I was in elementary school. I have fond memories of playing here with my dad and sister.”

The McMeeken's final in-game announcement came from long-time penalty and timekeeper Lori Swan with one minute remaining.

“Last minute of play at the McMeeken ever,” she announced.

Once the final buzzer went at 10:11 p.m Sunday night, players came together for a handshake line and photos - a surreal moment knowing they’d be the last hockey players to touch the ice inside the McMeeken.

“I remember doing free skates here and it was a good time,” AES Solar player Emily Cormier says. “It’s an awesome rink to be at.”

“I’ll miss the hottest dressing rooms ever,” AFS team captain Lindsay Spina laughed.

“I’m looking forward to the new rink,” AFS teammate Liz Ubaldi adds.

Construction of the McMeeken was contracted at $343,000 and opened to the public in November 1967, shortly after the Pee Wee Arena began its operations.

According to an Oct. 20, 1967 edition of the Sault Daily Star, rates were $10/hour for minor hockey groups and $15/hour for other private organizations at the time.

Despite its worsening condition towards the end of its life, the McMeeken was touted as a state of the art facility when it first opened.

“The Centre, along with the recently completed Sault Peewee Arena on Northern Avenue, are as welcome as a newborn babe,” the Sault Daily Star reads. “Groups making use of the added facilities, and for that matter all of the Sault, should be proud of the latest and most adequate recreational outlets that they’ll see anywhere in a city of comparable size.”

“There’s four dressing rooms, two equipped with showers and no light fixtures within reach of youngsters. All lighting is controlled from a central location for obvious reasons. The washrooms provide the latest in comfort.”

Demolition of the site isn’t scheduled until at least the spring. Once cleared, the space will likely be used for parking.

The grand opening of the city’s new twin ice pad arena will take place on Mar. 6 at 10 a.m. at the Northern Community Centre, just in behind the McMeeken.

Following the formal presentation and ceremonial puck drop, attendees are invited to tour the new state of the art arena and facility. All are welcome to attend.