The Rotary Park Project
The Brockville Winter Classic was created in 2015 to support the ongoing efforts of revitalizing Rotary Park. We took the pass from the Revitalization Committee, and the work they started in 2010, and have continued to develop upon the vision for a multi purpose facility that is free to use for the community.
Brockville Winter Classic Through the Years
​
2015: Inaugural Brockville Winter Classic
In late 2014, Lee Sample, Chris Hum, Jeff Severson, and Orlando Spicer conceived the idea of a fundraising hockey tournament to support the Roof Project at Rotary Park. In 2015, the frosty inaugural Brockville Winter Classic brought the community together. And the Brockville Winter Classic was born!
2016: BWC Welcomes our First NHL Alumni
In addition to our Outdoor Tournament we hosted Alumni from the Montreal Canadiens for our first Alumni Sunday game
2016 Winter Classic led Brockville to be a Top 10 Kraft Hockeyville
In a magical run that brought our community together we put Brockville on the map and received $10,000 towards our projects by placing in the Top 10 for Kraft Hockeyville.
2017: Our first weekend hosting NHL Alumni
2017 was the first year we hosted alumni for an entire weekend, and once we had the opportunity we never wanted another format. Boston Bruins Alumni and Hall of Fame player Ray Bourque was in attendance (see the lack of roof in this picture)
2017 Winter Classic Funds support the Raise the Roof Project
The Brockville Winter Classic was created during this phase of the park revitalization project, which took years to complete. Proceeds from the first two events went directly to the project.
2018 Long Term Goal to Host all Original 6 Franchises
2018 we made the commitment to bring all Original Six franchises to Brockville. We hosted the New York Rangers Alumni for the 2018 event.
2019 Chicago Blackhawks Visit the BWC
We added our Gala Event to the Lineup for the Weekend, and our Speak Easy Event didn't disappoint. More chances to interact with players as we continued to develop the event.
The P&G Pavilion Project
Our committee's long-term goal was to enhance the facility’s ability to meet growing demand. Initially, we planned a smaller project, but after connecting with P&G to celebrate and leave a lasting community impact, this larger project was born.
P& G Pavilion Comes to Fruition
The addition of two full-size changerooms, fully accessible washrooms, and Zamboni capabilities provided an excellent way to celebrate and leave a lasting legacy in the community. This joint venture between the BWC and P&G also included the installation of a new board system for the ice surface.
2020: Detroit Red Wings Alumni
In our last event before a small somewhat out of our control world event, we hosted the Detroit Red Wings Alumni for a memorable event specifically the Motown themed Gala!
2023: Completing the Original Six Lineup
We achieved our goal of hosting all original six franchises, with arguably the biggest (and best depending on your taste), the Toronto Maple Leafs.
New Rotary Park Upgrades
Installation of audio and lighting equipment, along with improvements such as walking paths and accessible seating, enhanced the park's ability to support continued multi-use opportunities.
2024: A Weekend with our Local NHL Franchise
We hosted the Ottawa Senators and had the first Alumni team loss in our Sunday Game as the local all stars garnered their first victory against our closest NHL Franchise Alumni!
2026: February 13-16, 2026 Mark Your Calendars
We are excited to welcome NHL Alumni once again, this year we are Bringing Back the stars of our events with a few twists. Click here for roster updates
2010-2017 Revitilization Committee Creates Vision
​
Rotary Park Revitalization Committee
In 2010, Rotarian Brent Collette, fellow Rotarians, and community members launched a plan to enhance Rotary Park. Initially focused on supporting the splash pad initiative and park improvements, the project evolved into a seven-year endeavor, driven by the vision of a free-to-use facility.
Installation of Splash Pad
One of the major and key features that drove this project forward was the community need for a fully accessible Splash Pad
Bicycle Pump Track & Basketball Court
Major improvements to connection and addition of south side of creek with first asphalt Bicycle Pump Track in Canada, and installation of full length basketball court
Installation of Refrigeration System
A huge step for the winter use of the facility to ensure that ice could be built and maintained with a controlled longer season. Installation of a refrigeration unit created the opportunity for increased usage of the facility.
Raise the Roof Campaign
The phase of the project where the Brockville Winter Classic was created. The roof project was complex and took many years to raise funds and complete. Proceeds of the first two Winter Classic events went directly to the project.
General Park Improvements
General Park improvements to increase accessibility, ease of access were completed. Installation of shelter, and two bathrooms to go along with splash pad mechanical room.