New scoreboard brings big-league energy to Clarington Toyota Arena

Clarington’s hockey season kicked off with a major win for the local sports community. On Sunday, September 28, Mayor Adrian Foster and Members of Council joined Cheryl Littlejohn, President of the North Shore Whitecaps, at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex to celebrate the generous donation of a four-face full-colour LED video scoreboard. The scoreboard, valued at more than $250,000, was gifted in 2024 by the Clarington Toros Zone AAA—now the North Shore Whitecaps.

“Well, talk about lighting up the rink. With this jumbotron scoreboard, every goal our home team scores will feel even bigger and better. You can bet the fans here will be cheering louder than ever,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “A big thank you to the incredible hockey family who came together and made this generous gift happen. You folks really know how to rally for the home team.”

Regional Councillor Willie Woo; Julie Mitchell, Director of Community Services; Councillor Margaret Zwart; Mayor Adrian Foster; Regional Councillor Granville Anderson; Cheryl Littlejohn, North Shore Whitecaps President; Councillor Sami Elhajjeh; Phil Aitken, former Clarington Zone Vice President; and Jennifer Stycuk, Manager of Facilities, gather at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex to celebrate the new scoreboard—an exciting boost for Clarington’s sports community.

More than just a tech upgrade, the new jumbotron is a symbol of community pride and partnership. Already enhancing the game-day experience on the Clarington Toyota Arena ice pad, it brings big-league energy to every moment on the ice—whether it’s a championship final, a weekday practice, or a spontaneous game among friends. With features like live video, player introductions, instant replays, and community messages, the scoreboard sets the stage for proud moments and hometown highlights, creating memories that stay with players and families long after the final buzzer.

But big-league energy isn’t just about the scoreboard—it’s about the athletes who step onto the ice beneath it. Clarington’s players bring heart, skill, and ambition to every game, and the jumbotron reflects the high calibre of their talent. For parents and fans, it’s a powerful reminder of how far these young athletes have come, and the potential that lies ahead—whether they’re chasing dreams of the NHL or simply playing for the love of the game.

Scoreboard donated by the North Shore Whitecaps hangs above centre ice at the Clarington Toyota Arena.

“Following the dissolution of the Clarington Zone, board members wanted to ensure the remaining association funds continued to support the broader hockey community,” said Cheryl Littlejohn, President of Clarington Zone Hockey Association. “To honour the Zone’s legacy, we chose to donate a scoreboard and improve the locker rooms at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex. This practical investment benefits players, coaches, families, and fans, while helping to enhance the game-day experience and strengthen hockey’s role in our community,” added Littlejohn.

In addition to the scoreboard, Clarington Zone funded the addition of upper stalls with hooks in one of Clarington Toyota Arena’s dressing rooms to keep players’ equipment organized and off the floor—a simple upgrade that improves player comfort, safety, and team pride.

The Municipality of Clarington thanks the Clarington Toros Zone AAA for their generous contribution and looks forward to making the most of this new addition as the season unfolds.

Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Sarah Raso, Communications Officer
905-260-3495 | sraso@clarington.net