The Leaside JR Elite Wildcats are travelling to Cambridge to take on the Rivulettes Women’s JR Team. It is always an unforgettable experience for players, parents, and coaches alike. Playing in Galt Arena Gardens, one of the oldest rinks in Canada, is always a privilege. Built in 1922, this historic venue exudes hockey history and tradition. It’s easy to imagine generations of fans—your grandparents or even great-grandparents—cheering from the stands on a crisp Friday night in December.
This weekend promises to bring that same Friday night buzz, complete with puck drops, local dignitaries, and some of the best in-game operations in the Ontario Women’s Hockey League (OWHL). The entire Cambridge community rallies to support the Rivulettes, creating a vibrant atmosphere that inspires visiting teams like the Wildcats to elevate their own game-day experiences, programs, and even community sponsorship efforts.
The World’s Oldest Operating Arena
According to locals, Galt Arena Gardens is the “world’s oldest operating arena.” Since its opening in January 1922, it has been a central part of the Cambridge, Ontario, community. The first goal on its ice was scored by Reid "Speedy" Oliver, leading Galt to a memorable 9-5 victory over Preston.
Back then, Galt, Hespeler, and Preston were separate communities and fierce rivals. In 1973, they merged to form the modern city of Cambridge, but Galt Arena Gardens remains a unifying symbol of local pride.
A Renovation to Remember
Over the decades, the arena saw countless games and events, but time took its toll. Deteriorating washrooms and cramped dressing rooms left the community with a choice: let the arena fall into disrepair or invest in its future. Thankfully, leaders opted for a massive renovation.
The interior was completely refurbished, while the original facade on Shade Street was restored using bricks salvaged from the rear of the building. Workers made an unexpected discovery during renovations—a hidden B.C. fir ceiling. Rather than cover it up again, they preserved the wood, adding warmth and charm to the interior. Today, the stunning wood ceiling is one of the arena’s most talked-about features.
A Legendary Ice Surface
Over the years, Galt Arena Gardens has hosted countless players chasing their hockey dreams, including some of the sport’s greatest legends. Gordie Howe played for the Galt Junior Red Wings in 1944-45, Terry Sawchuk in 1946-47, and Bobby Hull for the Galt Jr. Blackhawks a few years later.
Howe, still a teenager at the time, practiced regularly with the Junior Red Wings but only played one game due to the team exceeding its import quota. While records of that game have been lost, it remains a fascinating chapter in the arena’s storied history.
Preserving History
The arena’s west wall features a striking 24-foot mural of the Senior A Galt Hornets, who won the Allan Cup in both 1969 and 1971. If you look closely, you’ll spot Gordie Howe painted among the spectators, despite him never playing for the Hornets—a fun nod to artistic license. Nearby, portraits of Howe and Cambridge native Kirk Maltby, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings, further honor the arena’s legacy.
Adding to the historical charm, the original flooding barrels used to resurface the ice in the 1940s remain on display. Long before Zambonis, these barrels were filled with water and dragged across the ice by workers.
A Special Atmosphere
Today, Galt Arena Gardens is home to the Cambridge Minor Hockey Association, which boasts over 1,500 players. Generations of kids have honed their skills here, dreaming of following in the footsteps of legends.
Said on organization offficial: “For hockey, it’s probably the best atmosphere for a player or a fan. The history of the building makes it a special place. Parents and teams visiting from other towns always rave about Galt Arena.”
The Wildcats players, coaches, and families couldn’t agree more. Playing in such a storied rink is a reminder of hockey’s deep roots and the communities that keep its spirit alive.
