CN Sportplex History

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For much of the 20th century, Moncton and CN were synonymous in the minds of our citizens. Everyone had a family member that worked in the Shops on the city's west side. The railway is what built this country, and Moncton's history is inextricably linked with CN, the company largely responsible for this city's phenomenal economic growth and development through most of the 1900's. Though no longer the Eastern Canadian headquarters for CN, Moncton continues to be proud of its railway heritage.

Following it's closure, the CN property sat idle until 1997, when the Canada Lands Company undertook a massive redevelopment and clean-up of the 282 acre site. This award-winning brownfield redevelopment provided an opportunity for a significant part of Moncton's history to be reborn in a business and technology park (Emmerson Park) and the CN Sportplex, home to four ice pads, ten baseball fields, and six soccer fields dedicated to the youth of our city.

For this revitalization, the Canada lands Company won the first International Phoenix Award given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and they also received the Canadian Urban Institute Brownie Award for Best Overall Environment Project in Canada. The City of Moncton received the Scotts Turf Builder Award, through the Communities in Bloom Canada competition, for the best sports field turf in Canada.

The CN Sportplex and Tim Hortons 4-Ice Centre are a lasting tribute to the commitment of Mayor Brian Murphy in fostering sustainable partnerships focused on enhancing quality of life for the citizens of Moncton. Thanks to City Council, in partnership with the Canada Lands Company, Moncton Arena Partners, and with the support of corporate partners such as CN and Tim Hortons, Moncton continues to lead the way in recreational facilities and economic development.

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This facility recognizes past Canadian champions in amateur hockey and figure skating, paying tribute to their
accomplishments as individuals and teams, while ensuring the pride they provided for our
City is appropriately recognized. Championship teams and individuals being recognized in this naming include:

Moncton Hawks
1932 / 1933 - Allan Cup Champions
1933 / 1934 - Allan Cup Champions
1978 / 1979 - Hardy Cup Champions

Moncton Bears
1974 / 1975 - Hardy Cup Champions

Université de Moncton Blue Eagles
1980 / 1981 - C.I.A.U. Champions
1981 / 1982 - C.I.A.U. Champions
1989 / 1990 - C.I.A.U. Champions
1994 / 1995 - C.I.A.U. Champions

Hugh Yik
1997 - Canadian Novice Figure Skating Champion
1998 - Canadian Junior Figure Skating Champion

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The Carroll Brothers Hockey Team consisted of eight sons of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Carroll of Sunny Brae, Harold, Blair, Jack, Cecil, George, Fred, Ken and Tom.

The team's first performance was in 1923 as they took on the Moncton Victorias, finalist for the Maritime Semi-Pro Championship, winning the three game series by scores of 8-4, 6-2 and 2-1.

The record shows that each of the Carroll Boys had offers to play hockey in Boston, Hew York and Springfield as well as major Canadian centres.

The Carroll Family occupy a promient position in hockey annals. the family became widely known for their hockey exploits and it is felt that such talent from one family will never again be equaled.

With the decommissioning of the current Carroll Arena in Sunny Brae, the family history and tradition will remain a part of Moncton sport history, with its transfer to the 4-Ice Centre.

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Moncton native Gordie Drillon played seven seasons in the National Hockey League, six with the Toronto Maple Leafs and one with the Montreal Canadiens. The 1937-38 season saw Drillon capture the Lady Byng Trophy, and the Art Ross Trophy and be selected to the First All Star Team. In 1938-39 he was again selected to the First All Star Team, and in 1941-42 the Second All Star Team, that same season having his name engraved on the Stanley cup as a member of the Maple Leafs.

Drillon has been inducted into three Halls of Fame - 1970 N.B. Sport Hall of Fame, 1975 N.H.L. Hall of Fame, and in 1989 Canadian Sport Hall of Fame.

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Clarence Girouard has been a familiar face to theminor hockey community for over forty years. Dating back to the Moncton Stadium, Clarence could be found refereeing in his winter boots, taking responsibility for the accounting of equipment, or serving as a manager for various teams. Regardless of the task that required completion, Clarence was a willing volunteer ready to accept the work assigned. Clarence has been recognized by many individual leagues, tournaments and associations for his contributions to amateur hockey and baseball.