The Pembroke Memorial Centre is a 2,250-seat multi-purpose arena in Pembroke, Ontario, Canada. Along with the Pembroke & Area Community Centre, the facility is one of two hockey rinks in Pembroke, and is home to the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL).[1]
Built in the early 1950s, it is the oldest current facility in the CCHL, and was named as a tribute to soldiers who served in World War I and World War II.[2]
History
The 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, in 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 from its opening until 1958. Since then, it has been the home to Junior A hockey. The PMC has been the only home to the Pembroke Ironmen (now Pembroke Lumber Kings) since 1958. With a seating capacity of 2,250 people, the arena features wooden benches, concessions on both upper and lower levels, 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 spectators 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 semifinals 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]
As of March 2025, the city is evaluating options to repair or rebuild the aging facility 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.[7] This versatility has solidified the arena's status as a cornerstone of Pembroke's recreational life, making it one of the top attendance figures in Junior A hockey.[8]
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