Pembroke Memorial Centre

Pembroke Memorial Centre

Interactive map of Pembroke Memorial Centre
Address	393 Pembroke Street West
Location	Pembroke, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates	45°49′25.7974″N77°7′15.09″W / 45.823832611°N 77.1208583°W / 45.823832611; -77.1208583
Owner	City of Pembroke
Operator	Pembroke Lumber Kings
Capacity	2,250 (3,750 with standing room)
Record attendance	5,262
Field size	200 feet (61 m) x 85 feet (26 m)
Construction
Broke ground	November 18, 1948
Opened	November 11, 1951
Tenants
Pembroke Senior Lumber Kings (ECSHL) (1951–1958) Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL) (1958–1979, 1980–present)

Pembroke Memorial Centre is a 2,250-seat multi-purpose arena in Pembroke, Ontario, Canada. It is currently the home of the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL). ^[1] Alongside Pembroke & Area Community Centre, it is one of the two arenas in the city of Pembroke.

Opened in 1951, it is the oldest CCHL arena, and was named as a tribute to soldiers who served in World War I and World War II. ^[2]

History

Pembroke Memorial Centre was officially opened on November 11, 1951, with an exhibition game between the former Pembroke Senior Lumber Kings and the Montreal Canadiens on Remembrance Day. Several future hall of famers played in the game for the Canadiens, including Maurice Richard, 'Bernie Geoffrion, Elmer Lach and Doug Harvey. NHL president Clarence Campbell attended the sold-out game, and participated in a ceremonial puck drop as part of the pre-game festivities which saw nearly 5,000 people in attendance. ^[3]

Home tenants

The Pembroke Memorial Centre was previously the home of the Pembroke Senior Lumber Kings of the East Central Senior Hockey League from its opening until 1958. Since then, it has been the only home of the Junior A hockey team Pembroke Lumber Kings. With a seating capacity of 2,250 people, the PMC also features standing room for an additional 1,500 fans, concessions on both upper and lower levels with the ice view, and accessibility enhancements including an elevator, automatic door openers, and adapted washrooms. ^[4]

The Lumber Kings have maintained robust attendance figures over their history, often leading the Central Canada Hockey League in fan turnout due to the community's deep-rooted hockey enthusiasm. In the 1970s, league attendance surged from around 300 fans per game to approximately 1,500, driven by the team's on-ice intensity and local pride. ^[5] The team set a notable benchmark with the largest crowd ever for a CJHL game, exceeding 5,200 people at the PMC for a matchup against the Ottawa Primrose, highlighting the draw of intense regional rivalries. Playoff contests have also produced overflowing crowds, such as more than 4,000 fans during Game 7 of the 2005 Bogart Cup semi-finals against the Brockville Braves. In the 2020s, the Lumber Kings have continued to top CCHL attendance rankings, with consistent averages between 800 and 1,400 per game in the regular season. ^[6] This marked as a cornerstone of Pembroke's recreational life, making it one of the top attendance figures in Junior A hockey. ^[7]

As of March 2025, the city is evaluating options to repair or rebuild the Pembroke Memorial Centre amid ongoing concerns about its infrastructure. Beyond hockey, the facility hosts diverse activities such as trade shows, concerts, and charity initiatives, including the annual Jamie Bramburger Fall Classic, a memorial game featuring Lumber Kings alumni against local teams to honor the late broadcaster and raise community funds. ^[8]

References

1. "- the City of Pembroke".
2. http://www.kraftcelebrationtour.ca/nominations/detail/308/
3. dmctavish (November 9, 2019). "The Memorial Centre Honours Pembroke's War Dead". www.pembrokelumberkings.ca. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
4. "Arenas and Skating". pembroke.ca. January 7, 2025. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
5. "Alumni | CCHL- Central Canada Hockey League". www.pointstreaksites.com. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
6. "CCHL- Central Canada Hockey League" . Retrieved December 8, 2025.
7. "Pembroke Lumber Kings [CCHL] yearly attendance at hockeydb.com". www.hockeydb.com. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
8. "Alumni" . Retrieved December 8, 2025.