65 Years on Ice
Why catching a hockey game is a historic and must-do Waterloo experience!
The 2026-27 season marks 65 consecutive years of hockey in Waterloo, an unbroken streak stretching all the way back to 1962. Over the decades, our local hockey scene has evolved from a dominant semi-pro squad into one of the premier launching pads for top-tier junior talent in the country.
Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or just looking for a lively weekend outing, here are five cool stories behind Waterloo’s hockey legacy—and why grabbing a seat at a game is a quintessential local experience.
Five Championships in a Row
Waterloo’s love affair with the sport kicked off in 1962 with a semi-pro team that quickly took the league by storm. Playing inside McElroy Auditorium, the team won five straight playoff titles between 1963 and 1968, building a dedicated fanbase that has shown up every season since.
An European Exhibition Tour
In the fall of 1968, Waterloo hockey took an unexpected international road trip. The team traveled across Europe for a month of exhibition games in France, Switzerland, Germany, and Finland, including a few matchups played above the Arctic Circle.
A Thanksgiving Tradition
Looking for holiday plans? Thanksgiving night hockey is one of the biggest events of the year in Waterloo. It all started back in 1964, when a severe snowstorm forced a last-minute schedule swap. The holiday game was such a hit that playing on Thanksgiving evening became a beloved annual tradition that continues six decades later.
A Pipeline to the NHL
Since the USHL shifted to a top-tier junior development league, Waterloo has been a major stop for future professional players. Dozens of former Black Hawks have made it to the NHL, including first-round draft picks, Stanley Cup winners, and Olympians. When you attend a game, you’re often getting a preview of tomorrow’s stars.
Living Up to "Party Town"
When the team moved into Young Arena in Downtown Waterloo in 1995, visiting opponents quickly noticed how loud, close-to-the-ice, and enthusiastic the home crowd was. The arena earned the nickname "Party Town," and the name stuck. Today, game nights are as much about the music, food, and high-energy community atmosphere as the action on the ice.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Young Arena, right in Downtown Waterloo.
Make an Evening of It: Since you're right downtown, plan to grab dinner, local craft drinks, or dessert at nearby local spots before heading over for puck drop.
Tickets: Check the schedule ahead of time for upcoming home games, weekend series, and promotional theme nights.