About the Arnprior Packers

The Arnprior Packers are one of the oldest Junior B hockey organizations in Eastern Ontario, representing Arnprior in the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (formerly the CCHL2). The club has a history dating back to the late 1950s, adopting the "Packers" name in 1965.

Home Arena

The Packers play at the Nick Smith Centre, one of the busiest recreation facilities in the Ottawa Valley. The arena recently underwent significant revitalization and serves as a hub for hockey, ringette, figure skating, swimming, fitness programs, and community events. The Packers are one of its anchor tenants.

Attendance

According to a Town of Arnprior report prepared during the arena redevelopment project:

• Average playoff attendance (2018–2023): approximately 349 spectators per game
• Highest recent playoff attendance: 476 spectators
• Regular-season attendance often draw 150–300 spectators per game, with rivalry games and playoffs attracting considerably larger crowds. The Town's documented playoff numbers demonstrate that the Packers have an engaged local following!

 Community Involvement

The Packers have built a reputation as a community-based organization rather than simply a hockey club.

• Examples include:
• Participation in community festivals and Town events.
• Family-oriented game nights.
• Support for local charities and fundraising initiatives.
• Volunteers from throughout the community helping operate game days.
• Player appearances at local events and youth hockey activities.

Regional Audience

Although based in Arnprior (population roughly 10,000), the team's reach extends well beyond town limits.

The Nick Smith Centre serves residents from:

• Arnprior
• McNab/Braeside
• Renfrew
• Mississippi Mills
• Horton
• Greater Madawaska
• Western Ottawa communities

This broad regional draw increases the value of sponsorship for businesses looking to reach customers across the Ottawa Valley.

Competitive History

The Packers have enjoyed success over many decades, including:

• Four Valley Division Championships
• Three Boxing Day Tournament Championships
• Nearly 60 years of continuous Junior B hockey tradition
• A strong reputation for developing players for higher levels of hockey.

More recently, the club has continued to produce top talent. In the 2025–26 season, rookie Cameron Sheppard set the EOJHL Internet-era scoring record for a 16-year-old with 91 points and was named the league's Top Prospect.

Why You Should Sponsor the Packers?

For local businesses, a Packers sponsorship offers access to:

• Hundreds of engaged spectators at every home game.
• Families with children involved in hockey and community recreation.
• Residents from across Renfrew County and the western Ottawa Valley.
• Strong social media and digital exposure.
• Positive brand association with youth development, sportsmanship, and community pride.
• Opportunities for employee engagement through tickets, game-night recognition, and special events.

✔ Trusted local organization

✔ Community goodwill

✔ Affordable marketing

✔ Loyal fan base

✔ High visibility

✔ Measurable value