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
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton dead following prison attack
Convicted B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, who preyed on women he lured from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to his rural pig farm, has died.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
Ex-husband charged with murder in death of Lumby, B.C., woman
The ex-husband of Tatjana Stefanski – the woman whose disappearance and death set the small town of Lumby, B.C., on edge last month – has been charged with her murder.
Oilers beat Stars, one win away from Stanley Cup berth
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored two power-play goals as Edmonton smothered the Dallas Stars 3-1 to take a 3-2 lead in the NHL's Western Conference final on Friday.
Baby dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to woman who was in police custody
A newborn is dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to a woman in police custody.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
DND moving 1,000 employees out of Ottawa office building due to safety concerns
The Department of National Defence is moving approximately 1,000 employees out of an office building in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood, citing safety concerns for its employees.
Man convicted of killing Toronto cop in 1980 granted day parole
A man convicted of murdering a Toronto police officer more than four decades ago has been granted day parole for six months.