The worst kept secret within the NHL has been confirmed. The Ottawa Senators will play against the Montreal Canadiens at TD Place on December 16th 2017.
Welcome news indeed as the much needed national exposure for the Ottawa Senators will come to Canada’s capital city. I’ve personally been a huge advocate of the outdoor game in Ottawa.
The players certainly feel excited about the prospect of this game. None other than Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson. (CBC)
"‘Sometimes you forget about how much fun it is to play hockey, and I think that this type of event really pulls it all together.’"
How poignant is that quote. So many players in the NHL must get stuck in the grind of the 82 game season. These guys got into the game for their love of it, it is nice for them to reignite that love.
Having written previously on the matter, I believe that an outdoor game offers some nationwide exposure that the Ottawa Senators need. Still a franchise in its’ infancy, this could help rebuild the fanbase that was so prevalent here before.
Furthermore, every Sens fan will be waiting for eager anticipation for the sweaters to be revealed. As much as the Toronto Maple Leafs are rivals, their Centennial Classic sweater was a work of art. We can only hope that Adidas can provide a stellar job.
Parliament Hill Disappointment
The news isn’t all positive there was a pipe dream of holding the game outside Parliament hill. These hopes were soon quashed by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Claiming it would’ve cost in the region of $7,000,000.
On Parliament Hill outdoor game "logistics, security, creating a stadium from scratch would have made it astronomically expensive" #NHL
— Chris Crawford (@ChrisCrawford07) March 17, 2017
Too expensive perhaps, but seemingly not enough profit in it for the NHL to perform this endearing action. Even if it cost $7,000,000 the NHL would still make reams of profit from the game. Not only that, not just fans of the Ottawa Senators, but fans across the league would remember the game for decades.
With the increase of outdoor games, each game is becoming less and less special. A game on Parliament Hill would create timeless memories, give the franchise further identity and build a new generation of NHL fans.