Ottawa Charge Signs Multi-Year Deal to Move to Canadian Tire Centre

In a significant development for the local hockey landscape, the Ottawa Charge has officially announced their move to the Canadian Tire Centre, joining the Ottawa Senators as the second professional hockey team to call the venue home. This transition comes after three successful seasons at TD Place, and the Charge will begin their full-time residency next season.

Senators President and CEO Cyril Leeder was present for the announcement, alongside Charge General Manager Mike Hirshfeld and standout forward Rebecca Leslie, who has been instrumental in the Charge’s success by leading the team in goals during both the regular season and playoffs. “Senators Sports & Entertainment is proud to officially welcome the Ottawa Charge to Canadian Tire Centre,” Leeder stated. He emphasized the significance of having two professional teams in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, noting the Charge’s rapid growth in fan support and their integral role in the local hockey scene.

While the Charge had plans for a permanent home in a new 6,500-seat arena currently under construction at Lansdowne, the Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) determined that this venue would not adequately meet their long-term attendance needs. The Charge has averaged 8,131 fans at TD Place, but their impressive numbers at the CTC—13,641 fans per game during six previous matches—suggest a strong potential for success in the larger venue.

However, as the Charge prepares for a full regular season in an NHL arena, challenges loom. The dynamics of playing in an 18,000-seat venue present a different scenario compared to the playoff atmosphere they previously experienced. A full regular season will test the team’s ability to maintain their fan engagement. While smaller venues create a sense of urgency for tickets, the Charge may face the reality of playing to thousands of empty seats if attendance dips.

Moreover, the visual impact of empty seats can affect the perception of the team both on television and among potential fans and sponsors. This concern has been a factor in the Senators’ historical adjustments to the seating capacity of the arena.

Location also plays a critical role in this transition. While the Senators are exploring a move from Kanata to a more central location, the Charge’s shift to Kanata could pose accessibility challenges for fans and players alike. Lansdowne, with its vibrant surroundings and ease of access, presents a more attractive option for many.

As the Charge embarks on this new chapter, the hope is that they will fill the Canadian Tire Centre night after night. Yet, as excitement builds, questions remain about whether this move is premature for a team that has already found success in a smaller setting.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.