Fans thrilled to be back in stands for Ottawa 67's
Ottawa 67's fans made their way back into TD Place Arena Friday for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to in-person sporting events.
“I’ve been going through hockey withdrawals. It’s nice to be back,” said Lucille La France, a season ticket holder since 2011.
Fellow season ticket holders like Joshua Mailly and his dad were ecstatic to reunited with other fans in the stands as they cheered on the Barber Poles, who hosted the North Bay Battalion in a preseason match.
“All my life I’ve been coming to games. All my life I’ve been cheering for my team,” said Mailly. “Now, to be back in the arena, I’ve pretty much grown in my second home, it’s pretty exciting.”
Under Ontario's public health measures, up to 1,000 fans were allowed in the arena for Friday's game.
Ontario's latest announcement to increase capacities at indoor venues to 50 per cent comes into effect Saturday, meaning the TD Place Arena will be able to accommodate 4,000 fans.
"In a way, it's like getting back to normal," said Mailly.
The latest announcement is a boost ahead of the team's home opener on Oct. 10.
“The boys really strive with the fans in the stands. They need it... If they had the bigger crowds, they’re coming out even harder,” said Justin Way, who has been billeting 67's players for the last 21 years.
For fans, increased capacity is welcome.
“Everyone here is in a bubble wearing a mask because you can’t come in unless you’re vaccinated,” said La France.
Many say the health measures in place—such as proof of vaccination, cashless purchases and face coverings—allow them to enjoy the game without worry.
“At least if people keep their distance and keep their mask on, it should be okay,” said Mailly's father, Michael.
“I’m just happy to be back,” added Mailly. “If I can watch hockey and I have to wear a mask, it’s worth the deal.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
LIVE @ 1:15 PT B.C. premier to give announcement related to public drug use
B.C.'s premier is scheduled to give an update Friday about public drug use in the province.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.