The NHL has experimented with outdoor games severely times over the last 15 seasons, and while it may be a novelty still to some, the general consensus is that it’s really just a money grab with bad sightlines and cold weather.
Most settings have been at football or baseball stadiums, with arena crews temporarily building an outdoor rink that’s centered in the middle of the field. Rumors were swirling that Parliament Hill was slated to host a game, presenting a unique setting for the Ottawa Senators franchise.
That won’t be the case for this season as the government nixed the notion, but the Senators will be in fact teaming up with Heritage Canada to build an NHL sized arena equipped with locker rooms and temporary stands that’ll run from December 7th to New Year’s Eve.
The idea behind the project is a part of the Canada’s 150 birthday celebrations. The rink will be open to the public for free of charge and will see some minor hockey games played on the surface.
"One of the things that we are going to have is lots of activities on the Hill in general and the skating rink will be part of it," said Andrew Campbell, a Senior Executive for Canada 150, to CTV News. "As Canadians we love the North, we do a lot of things outside in the North, and it's one of those moments, obviously at an iconic place Parliament Hill, that people can really get that experience and feel it from morning until the evening."
The Senators will practice on the outdoor rink. On top of all the shinny that will be played, there will be Christmas-themed lights illuminating with musical performances and fireworks. The outdoor game initially planned will be played at Lansdowne Park between the Habs and Sens on December 16th.
(H/T CTV Ottawa)
