Ontario Series Lacrosse Arena Series - Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena

As we draw closer to the start of the season, the Ontario Series Lacrosse League is proud to begin a special weekly feature highlighting the teams that make our league so competitive — and the arenas they call home.

The Lacrosse Legacy of Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena & Skating Centre

By Gary Groob – All Lacrosse All The Time

In the heart of Hamilton’s Mountain sits a community arena that has quietly played a meaningful role in the growth of box lacrosse in Southern Ontario. While many know it for hockey, the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena & Skating Centre — affectionately called “The Dave” — has become an important summer home for lacrosse in the Steel City.

Originally opened in 1966 as Mountain Arena, the facility was renamed in 2005 in honour of Hamilton-born NHL great Dave Andreychuk. With seating for approximately 2,500 fans, the arena transitions each spring from ice to concrete, transforming into a battleground for box lacrosse competition.

A Home for the Hamilton Bengals

For nearly two decades, the arena has served as the primary home floor for the Hamilton Bengals, who compete in Ontario’s Junior “B” ranks under the umbrella of the Ontario Lacrosse Association.

The Bengals name carries historic weight in Hamilton lacrosse circles. The original Hamilton Bengals operated at the Junior “A” level from 1976 to 1983 before relocating. The current Junior “B” franchise, established in 2006, revived the Bengals identity and re-anchored competitive junior lacrosse in the city.

Over the years, “The Dave” has witnessed playoff battles, overtime thrillers, and the steady development of young athletes progressing through Ontario’s competitive lacrosse system. For many players, stepping onto the concrete floor inside this arena represents both opportunity and tradition.

Senior Lacrosse and OSL Competition

Beyond Junior “B,” the arena has also hosted Senior-level competition, including games tied to the Ontario Series Lacrosse circuit. These contests bring veteran talent and physical, high-tempo lacrosse to Hamilton fans each summer.

Senior lacrosse at The Dave bridges generations — with alumni, minor players, and longtime supporters gathering in the stands to support local athletes competing at a high level of Ontario’s box hierarchy.

Homegrown Talent and Community Spirit

The Bengals’ roster leans heavily on local talent developed through the Hamilton Lacrosse Association system. Many players came up through minor and junior programs in the city before graduating to senior competition, giving fans a true hometown feeling when watching black‑and‑gold take the floor.

Team management and supporters emphasize the role of the senior club in the broader lacrosse community, offering an opportunity for athletes to continue playing at an elite amateur level after junior eligibility. Under the Bengals banner, Hamilton lacrosse enthusiasts can cheer on familiar faces and enjoy high‑tempo lacrosse during the summer months.

Grassroots Development: The Hamilton Lacrosse Association

The foundation of the arena’s lacrosse story lies in grassroots programming. The Hamilton Lacrosse Association utilizes the facility for house league, rep tryouts, practices, and tournament play. From U9 beginners learning the basics to elite rep players chasing provincial championships, the arena serves as a development hub.
For countless Hamilton families, summer evenings at The Dave mean the sound of sticks on boards, the echo of whistles, and the unmistakable rhythm of box lacrosse.

Hosting Championship-Calibre Events

The arena’s reputation has extended beyond local league play. In 2024, Hamilton was part of the national spotlight when games connected to the Founders Cup — Canada’s Junior “B” National Championship — were hosted in the city. The event brought teams from across the country and showcased the arena as a capable stage for elite amateur competition.

Hosting national-calibre lacrosse reinforced Hamilton’s place within Canada’s deep box lacrosse tradition.

A Community Arena with a Lacrosse Heart

While Ontario boasts iconic lacrosse venues such as the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena, the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena represents something equally important — sustainability and community commitment to the sport.
It may not be the largest or most modern facility in the province, but it has become a dependable home for lacrosse in Hamilton. From minor lacrosse tournaments to Junior “B” playoff runs, the arena continues to support the growth of the game at multiple levels.

As each summer arrives and the ice is removed, the concrete floor once again becomes a canvas for Canada’s national summer sport. And in Hamilton, that story continues to be written inside The Dave.