Eastlink Centre - Charlottetown Islanders
- Andrew Kulyk
- Feb 24
- 5 min read
Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
Eastlink Centre
46 Kensington Rd
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 5H7
Year Opened: 1990
Capacity: 3,718
Charlottetown Islanders - Eastlink Centre
What you have here was born not as a community hockey arena, but rather a facility that was conceptualized and built specifically to host the 1991 Canada Winter Games. The Charlottetown Civic Center, as it was originally named, was actually sited in a neighboring town of Parkdale, although it is almost impossible to discern civic borders, as this community blends in perfectly with Charlottetown, and its downtown is only 5 kilometers away.
The arena is part of a broader complex that today includes a casino, a harness racing track, and exhibition space. Once the Canada Winter Games were concluded, the American Hockey League P.E.I. Senators became the building’s primary tenant in the 90s, at a time when the AHL had a substantial footprint here in Atlantic Canada.
In 2003, a QMJHL franchise from Montreal relocated here to Charlottetown and became the P.E.I. Rocket, since renamed the Charlottetown Islanders. In 2013, the arena naming rights were sold to a sponsor, now known as the Eastlink Centre.
Food & Beverage 3
The concession fare is about as basic and barebones as one can get, with the main concession stands situated in the entry lobby and outside the ticket scanners, meaning have your hand stamped if you are planning to get food and bring it back inside.
We are taking Domino's pizza ($6.00) and popcorn ($6.50). Pepsi products ($3.25), Bottled water ($3.00), Nachos ($8.00), and assorted candy bars ($3.25). There are small alcohol points of sale in the concourses, with assorted domestic beers ($7.75), craft beers and seltzers ($8.75), and limited well drinks ($7.75). And yes, there is a full-service Tim Hortons cafe and bake shop in the lobby, with the donuts, muffins and Timbits, all comparable to street prices.
Atmosphere 3
A common term when describing sports facilities can be called “old school”. How about taking things a bit further and calling this place “old old school”. Despite its relatively young age, less than 40 years, Eastlink Centre has all the gritty feel of a gritty industrial style rink that is such an enduring part of small-town Canada.
The gathering area is a small lobby, where, outside of the ticket scanning area is a main concession stand and a Tim Hortons cafe and bake shop. Team flags and names of regional hockey greats hang from the ceiling. Doorways to the left go to exhibition halls, and to the right, into the arena.
The concourses are tight, musty, and random photos of hockey moments, teams, and players dot the walls. Locker room areas spill out into parts of the concourse and are curtained off from fan access. In another area, off ice officials sit in the hall on folding chairs, their dressing areas too small to accommodate them. The Zamboni path off the ice shares space with patrons. It all might sound horrible and uncomfortable, but this is exactly what the game day experience in “old old school” is all about, and it comes together really nicely here in Charlottetown.
Neighborhood 4
Directly surrounding the arena is nothing more than a well-manicured, middle-class residential neighborhood. Streets are tight here; there is a parking lot down the street, which also serves the casino and track, and parking is free. Again, “old old school”, mimicking other small towns across Canada and even the USA, where the community rink or the old neighborhood minor league baseball park was tucked away, before the days of glitzy modern arenas located in downtown’s and surrounded by entertainment districts.
We also point out that downtown Charlottetown is but a short ride away, with its beautiful waterfront, museums, shops, churches, historic sites, and restaurants. Victoria Row is a pedestrian-friendly strip that presents a cool vibe. Definitely worth the visit!
Fans 3
This is a small market, and the team draws a bit more than 2000 fans a game. They are respectful of the spaces they have to share with players who flow out of their assigned locker rooms, or game day operations, and minor staff who need to perform tasks for the game itself.
It is a somewhat non-boisterous experience compared to peer arenas, but we got to give props to a couple of cool and unique elements that give this team its character and soul… When the Confederation Bridge connecting Prince Edward Island to the mainland was opened, they brought to Eastlink Centre the foghorn that was once used as a signal for the old ferry service. That foghorn is mounted to the ceiling and blows smoke each time the home team scores a goal.
Additionally, they have the absolute coolest goal song… It’s titled “Whisky, Whisky, 1, 2, 3 4” by Alan Doyle. What’s it got to do with hockey? Who cares! It’s a fun song and engages fans into the action on the ice.
Access 2
Everything about getting to the Eastlink Centre and getting around the Eastlink Centre, is a chore. The streets are narrow, public transit is middling, parking fills up quickly, especially if there’s another event at the complex, so street parking becomes the fallback option.
The car ride to Prince Edward Island, and through the countryside, is a beautiful one. The ride on the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick is definitely a great experience. Be aware that the toll runs $20 to get back off the island. Yes, they have an airport here, but not too many flights regularly, so planning is key.
As already described, getting around the arena, traversing the concourses, going to the concessions, all of it, is a bit of a challenge. Old school? Again, “old old school”.
Public transit to the arena is available via the local T3 transit bus system. Check here for routes
and schedules.
Return on Investment 4
Single ticket prices run $27 for an adult ticket for most games, with discounts given to seniors 60+ ($25), Students ($20), and Kids under 13 ($18). Flex packs in packages of 5 are available for seniors and students, bringing the cost per game down to $20 for seniors and $16 for students.
Extras 4
We give props to the foghorn and the goal song, something definitely unique to the Charlottetown Islanders.
Also worth mentioning is a well-appointed and staged “Charlottetown Hockey Memorabilia Room”, a veritable museum showcasing this region’s rich hockey history. Right outside the Room are plaques labeled the “Captains Wall”, honoring team captains for the Islanders over the years. Truth be told, this is probably the nicest feature of this entire complex, for those who like to immerse themselves in memorabilia and history. This amenity is right off of the lobby to the left but tucked away somewhat.
Final Thoughts
While this arena and the hockey game day experience will not blow you away, what makes a trip to see the Charlottetown Islanders is not the game itself, but immersing into a cultural and tour experience that embraces the community and the region. Prince Edward Island offers charm and beauty that is so palpable. The fall season and the colors, combined with hockey season, would probably be the best time to schedule a visit. And then there is the whole “Island vibe” in this wonderful but small city, which is very warm and welcoming.
(All prices listed here are in Canadian dollars)
Comments