Hambly Arena
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(courtesy P.Hambly)
(courtesy P.Hambly)
The Oshawa Arena (later known as the Hambly Arena) opened in 1930 and was built in large part to the contributions of Colonel R.S. McLaughlin. It was the first brick facade and steel support structure for hockey in Oshawa. Its main tenant would be the Oshawa Generals.
Shortly after training camp in 1953, the arena would suffer the same demise as its predecessor (Bradley Arena 1908-1928) and burned to the ground on the morning of September 15th, 1953. It was the end of an era for the Oshawa Generals who recently won three Memorial Cup Championsips in 1939, 1940 & 1944, as well as seven consecutive Ontario championships from 1937-1944.
All that remained of the building was the brick facade and many steel beams twisted like pretzels. Officials of the Oshawa Fire Department estimated the loss as about $350,000.00, only partially covered by insurance.
Also destroyed in the fire were the team's equipment, uniforms and many other historical artifacts. It is estimated that 200 pairs of skates were lost, valued between $45.00 and $60.00 each.
The site of the arena is currently occupied by Ontario Motor Sales, at the corner of Bond Street West and Arena Street.
Source
- Babe Brown, Bobby Attersley, and Bill Kurelo (1978). A History of the Oshawa Generals, Volume One. Toronto: Chimo
