Behind the scenes work continues to rename Sarnia Arena after hockey icon Pat Stapleton.
Project lead Brian Keelan received city council approval to enhance plans Monday.
He told the group that $25,930 has been raised so far, which more than covers the cost of the main entrance, south entrance and indoor signs. So, they're now planning to install a 15 foot graphic of Stapleton wearing his Team Canada 1972 uniform - pending formal approval from Team '72 - outside the arena.
"September 28, 2022 is the 50th anniversary of game eight for Team '72 Summit Series and there's going to be a lot of publicity about this around that date," Keelan said.
That's why Keelan said he's hoping to have the project completed by the fall of next year, so a dedication event can be held in conjunction with the anniversary of Canada’s win.
"I've had some conversations with Team Canada officials and they would like to have some of the members of Team Canada here for that opening and probably they would talk to Hockey Night in Canada. (See) if they would like to have a crew here to video what we've done with the building and the graphic of Pat up there and the interior to honour this guy from Team '72, which is going to be a very big topic of conversation at the time."
A tribute to Stapleton, changes to the donor wall and welcome sign are also planned inside the rink.
Proposed signage inside Sarnia Arena to honour hockey icon Pat Stapleton. Image courtesy of Brian Keelan.
Because of the possible coverage, Keelan said they're also considering highlighting some more players.
"The suggestion has been given to me that we try and raise some more funds to honour some of the other NHL hockey players that came behind him. Pat's son, Mike, played six or seven hundred games in the NHL, Dino Ciccarelli a hall of fame guy, Tony McKegney… all those guys would have some photos in there saying here's some of the guys that this arena has produced and who've played their minor league hockey here."
Stapleton was born in Sarnia and died at the age of 79, on April 9, 2020.
He played 10 seasons in the NHL as a defenseman, eight with the Chicago Blackhawks and two with the Boston Bruins.
He started his junior career with the Legionnaires and was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.
