Canada’s early hockey history to be commemorated during Toronto Maple Leafs’ game

The birthplace of hockey broadcasting and the site where a Toronto team won three Stanley Cups—Arena Gardens—will be honoured with a Heritage Toronto plaque on Saturday, March 9, 2013. The presentation will take place during the first intermission of the Toronto Maple Leafs game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

By Kaitlin Wainwright –

Legendary hockey announcer Foster Hewett

At the time of its construction in 1912, Arena Gardens (since demolished) was the largest indoor rink in the country with a capacity of 7,500. Many professional hockey teams called the arena their home, including the franchise that eventually became the Toronto Maple Leafs. Legendary broadcaster Foster Hewitt began his career here on February 16, 1923, when he called the play-by-play of an Ontario Hockey Association game between the Toronto Argonauts and Kitchener Greenshirts.

When Conn Smythe purchased the Toronto St. Pats and renamed them the Maple Leafs in 1927, the Arena was considered outdated and the team was moved to Maple Leaf Gardens in 1931. This arena, later known as Mutual Street Arena, filled the void left by professional hockey with other sports, concerts, and public assemblies. The inaugural service of the United Church of Canada was held here in 1925 and musical legends, such as Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller, played to sold-out crowds in the 1940s. The building was later converted into a recreational arena with a roller skating rink and curling sheets. It was demolished in 1989.

About Heritage Toronto – Heritage Toronto works with the citizens of Toronto to advocate for, preserve, and promote a greater appreciation for our city’s rich heritage. Through partnerships with local community groups and volunteers, Heritage Toronto works to heighten awareness of our shared history by providing city-wide programs and services. Programs include free neighbourhood walking tours, the annual Heritage Toronto Awards and William Kilbourn Memorial Lecture, our downloadable iTours program, Building Storeys, our heritage photography exhibit, a heritage plaques and markers program and participation in Doors Open Toronto.