Owen Sound - The “Harry Lumley” Arena

(This article is the first of a six-part series on the arenas of the Major Series Lacrosse league.  Part 1 highlights the "Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre" -  home to the Owen Sound Lacrosse Club).

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The Owen Sound Lacrosse Club will be playing their home games out of the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Although their home game day of play has not been confirmed, it will likely be Saturday.

Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre

The arena is dedicated to the memory of local hockey hero – goaltender Harry Lumley (Lumley was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1980).  Born and raised in Owen Sound, Lumley retired to his hometown until his death in 1998. Lumley did play lacrosse as a runner, but did not reach the star status he had as an NHL hockey goalie.

Located on the east shore of Owen Sound Bay, the multi-purpose facility opened in 1983 - given its location, it became known as the “Bayshore Arena”.  The community centre was substantially renovated from 2000 to 2002, adding private boxes, more seating and a new front entrance.

The actual arena section of the facility is named after Joseph Donald McArthur.  “J.D.” was a local businessman and avid sportsman who played for, coached and sponsored many local sports teams for decades in Owen Sound.  He played a significant role in the construction of the arena and served as the Arena Commissioner for over a quarter of a century.

It is home to various sports teams in Owen Sound including the Owen Sound North Stars of the OLA Senior “B” League and the Owen Sound North Stars of the OLA Junior “B” League.  The Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League also play out of the complex.

Generally reserved when offering comments, the Owen Sound Lacrosse Club General Manager Steve McCarthy expressed enthusiasm regarding the MSL franchise playing out of the Lumley Arena.  He noted, “Owen Sound has a rich history of lacrosse including a Mann Cup championship.  We fully expect to compete right from the get-go.  I am certain the Owen Sound lacrosse fans will be on board supporting the team.  The Harry Lumley Arena is a top-notch facility, certainly worthy of being the home to an MSL team”.

MSL Commissioner Doug Luey had nothing but positive thoughts about the Lumley Arena when he offered his sentiments, ”MSL is looking forward to Owen Sound's return to Senior "A" lacrosse. We unanimously believe this is a great market for us to play in and expect great support from the sports fans of Owen Sound. Those people involved in our league that are familiar with lacrosse in Owen Sound have nothing but good things to say about their experiences playing out of the Bayshore”.   Commissioner Luey also noted, since 1963 - Major Series Lacrosse has awarded the Harry Lumley Trophy on an annual basis, to the MSL goaltending tandem with the fewest goals allowed against.

Also located within the Harry Lumley recreation complex is the Owen Sound Sports Hall of Fame.  Both Harry Lumley and J.D. McArthur are among the many individuals and teams who have been enshrined there.  Recent lacrosse related inductees include: the Owen Sound North Stars, winners in 1979, 1980, 1989, 1991, 2008 and 2009 President's Cup (awarded to the annual Canadian Senior “B” Lacrosse championship team).

Local sports fans refer to the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre as "Bayshore" and/or "The Lum".  The arena has a seating capacity for lacrosse of approximately 3000 spectators.  Expectations for a successful Major Series Lacrosse team are anticipated right from the beginning face-off. Beginning in May 2022, you can open your GPS and request directions to "1900 3rd Avenue East in Owen Sound" and you will be on your way to the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre to watch the very best box lacrosse players in the World.

(Written by Rad Joseph - Member of Major Series Lacrosse Media team)