PWHL hockey, pride on display at TD Place Arena
Ottawa’s Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) held its first pride night, celebrating diversity and the game on Wednesday.
The celebration started with a tailgate party on the football field. The festivities moved inside the Arena at TD Place where fans packed the stands almost 8,000 witnessing the game against Boston
Kim Anderson arrived early, taking in the sun blanketing the field as dance music played and fans enjoyed the entertainment. Food and games were on hand helping take the chill out of the spring breeze.
“I think this is huge for both communities the LGBTQ+ community, women (and) the hockey community. I think this is a great time to celebrate,” Anderson said. “Women are strong women are powerful. We can do what we want. We are passionate. We can play the sport just as well as anyone else we are showing that here today. Hopefully, we are going to get a spot in the playoffs as well.”
Ottawa goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer (38) celebrates their shootout win against Boston with teammate Daryl Watts (9) during PWHL hockey action in Ottawa on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. (Sean Kilpatrick/THE CANADIAN PRESS)
The day all part of the inclusive vision of the PWHL, emphasising that hockey is for everyone. The popularity of the women’s professional game is a testament to that idea according to organizers. Erin Thompson, the director of business operations for PWHL Ottawa says Wednesday was a huge success for the team and the community.
“It’s about making people feel welcome in our arena, in our building, watching this amazing sport watching the women preforming in front of them,” Thompson said. “I just think it’s such a happy place to be supporting the rainbow flag.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.