Senators face empty rink for 11 home games this winter
The Ottawa Senators will be playing in front of an empty Canadian Tire Centre 11 times over the next month as Ontario gradually eases COVID-19 capacity restrictions.
The Ontario government unveiled a three-step plan to reopen the province this winter, allowing up to 500 fans in Canadian Tire Centre starting Jan. 31. Restrictions will be eased to allow 50 per cent capacity in arenas starting Feb. 21.
The spectator capacity limits at sporting events, concert venues, and theatres at 50 per cent also cover Ottawa 67's games at TD Place and concerts and events at the National Arts Centre.
Currently, no fans are permitted inside Canadian Tire Centre for Senators games or other events as Ontario is in a modified stage 2.
Following the release of a new Senators schedule to make up games cancelled this season due to COVID-19 protocols and attendance restrictions in Ontario, the Senators will play 11 home games between Jan. 25 and Feb. 21. with either no fans in the arena or up to 500 fans in the stands.
The schedule includes a visit by Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers. The Senators game against Pittsburgh set for Feb. 10 is a rescheduled game from New Year’s Eve, when the NHL postponed the game due to COVID-19 attendance restrictions in Ottawa.
The Senators have another four games scheduled between Feb. 22 and March 14 when capacity is at 50 per cent, including popular games with the Montreal Canadiens and the first ever visit to Ottawa by the Seattle Kraken.
The restrictions mean the team will lose out on gate revenue for more than a quarter of its regular-season home schedule.
"That's an incredible drain on the bottom line,” TSN 1200's John Rodenburg tweeted.
Senators play-by-play voice Dean Brown said on Twitter that the restrictions are "not only terrible for the owner who lose millions but the hundreds and hundreds of servers, bartenders, security, support, janitorial, suppliers and delivery people who will be hit hard by this."
As of March 14, full capacity will be allowed at all Senators and Ottawa 67's games.
The Senators are scheduled to play 50 games over the final 100 games of the regular season.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.