Sarnia Arena will be renamed after Pat Stapleton.
City council made the decision at its meeting on Monday.
The Sarnia-born NHLer, and member of Canada's historic 1972 Summit Series team, died at the age of 79, on April 9, 2020.
Councillor Bill Dennis recalled meeting Stapleton as a young boy at an SMAA event.
"I vividly remember a kind, engaging, and very impactful man, I was truly in awe," said Dennis. "I remember approaching Pat several years later at a Sarnia Bees game, as a shy kid, asking for an autograph. At the time, he made what could have been a terrifying experience, into a warm memory."
Sarnia Arena. September 13, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)
Dennis said it's time to give back to the man who has done so much for others.
"Today, I find it almost surreal that I'm in the position to give back to someone whose philosophy was to do something, for someone else, with no expectations in return."
Dennis said he was honoured to support the renaming.
"This man has been a tremendous role model for hockey, for our city, for our country and for in general how to live your life."
Councillor Mike Stark also supported the renaming after clarifying something with Brian Keelan, who requested the commemoration.
"We have received some negative comments with respect to the inclusion of the name, "Whitey", given the current issues and in terms of sensitivity, I presume you would be open to the idea that we would use the name Pat Stapleton Memorial?" Stark asked Keelan.
"I sure would," Keelan interjected. "I certainly would. I know that Pat was in favour of that as well. He wanted to be remembered as Pat Stapleton."
Fundraising will now be launched to raise over $30,000 for the signage and a hall or wall of fame.
Keelan is hoping to have the project completed by 2022, so a dedication event can be held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Canada's win in '72.
Stapleton 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.
Councillor Dave Boushy and Margaret Bird voted against the motion.
They felt the name Sarnia Arena should be retained, but "Home of the hockey legend Pat Stapleton" could be added.
Mayor Mike Bradley was absent from the meeting.
