Fansided

Ottawa Senators Looking to Bring Outdoor Game to City

By Ian Smith |
May 9, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion and new head coach Guy Boucher speak to the media at a press conference at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion and new head coach Guy Boucher speak to the media at a press conference at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The Ottawa Senators are lobbying the NHL to try to secure an outdoor hockey game in Ottawa for December 2017.

The city is in talks with not only the league, but the federal government. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said that the city is still negotiating to try to get something in place.

“Obviously there are two choices we have- Parliament Hill or Lansdowne Park,” said Watson, referring to the most likely locations for such a game. “Both have their strengths and weaknesses.”

It would make a tremendous amount of sense for Ottawa to host an event like this in 2017. Being the capital of Canada, it’s the perfect place to hold an outdoor game in commemoration of Canada’s 150th birthday.

It also happens to coincide with the 100th birthday of the NHL. The very first game in league history was played in Ottawa between the Montreal Canadiens and the original Ottawa Senators. The Canadiens won the game 7-4.

More from Ottawa Senators News

The numerous Heritage Classics, Winter Classics, and Stadium Series have been huge successes for the league.

To see hockey played in a gigantic outdoor stadium is remarkably fascinating, and the players always seem to get an extra jolt from their unique surroundings.

The Centennial Classic has been scheduled for January 1, 2017 in Toronto. The Maple Leafs will take on the Red Wings at BMO Field, which is the normal home of Toronto FC.

Lansdowne Park is where the Ottawa Redblacks play, and that might be the more practical option of the two settings that the city is exploring.

Parliament Hill presents more problems logistically. Evenko can set up temporary seating, but economics could impede that endeavor.

The league undoubtedly wants to make this event happen in Ottawa, though. It would be absolutely perfect to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the NHL where it all started.

Next: Ottawa Senators Seem Especially Prone to Shootouts

There’s still ample time to plan the festivities, but hopefully the city gets a firm commitment as soon as possible so the preparations can begin.

Home / Ottawa Senators News