For more than 100 years Galt Arena Gardens has been a focal point for winter sports in the city and wider region. Built in 1921, it opened on January 20, 1922 when the Galt Terriers Intermediate Hockey Club beat Preston 5-0 before almost 4,000 fans.

Widely-considered the oldest continuously-operat­ing arena in Canada, and one of the oldest existing arenas in North America, it has hosted almost every kind of sporting event imaginable and other special events, such as circuses. This includes motorcycle racing, wrestling, boxing, band and concert performances, political rallies, antique shows, roller skat­ing, and barrel-jumping.

In addition to hockey, figure skating and speed skating, Galt Arena has hosted the annual school skating races, one of the most unique annual events in Canada.

Notably, in addition to a number of NHL players, the arena has been host to three of hockey’s all-time greats Gordie Howe, Terry Sawchuk and Bobby Hull.

It’s also where Olympic gold medalist Derrick Campbell got his start in speed skating.