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Global News
19-05-2025
- Business
- Global News
Eco-friendly transportation a condition of planned Ottawa Senators arena: agreement
Public transit, cycling and walking will be the 'primary and preferred modes' of getting fans to and from the Ottawa Senators' planned downtown arena, says a newly disclosed agreement on the project. Under the agreement, a group led by the NHL team would be responsible for designing, building and paying for a publicly accessible cycling and pedestrian bridge linking a major Ottawa street to the LeBreton Flats arena site. In addition, the arena and associated elements would be 'zero carbon' buildings — highly energy-efficient structures with minimal greenhouse gas emissions from materials and operations. The National Capital Commission, the federal agency that controls the land, and Capital Sports Development Inc., led by the Senators, signed a memorandum of understanding last September on the planned purchase of five parcels totalling 10 acres. The sale of the land near Parliament Hill could be completed later this year following finalization of a price based on fair market value. Story continues below advertisement Many Senators fans have long desired a central venue for the team, which has played since 1996 in an arena in the suburb of Kanata about 25 kilometres west of downtown. The proposed arena, billed as a major events centre, would also host concerts and other attractions. The memorandum and documents related to the September 2024 agreement were recently obtained by The Canadian Press through the Access to Information Act. Some portions of the documents were withheld from release on the basis the information could prejudice a competitive position or interfere with negotiations if made public. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Representatives of the NCC and the Senators declined to answer questions about the documents, citing the ongoing negotiations. At a September press conference to announce the agreement, Senators president Cyril Leeder called the move 'a great first step' but added there was a lot of work ahead. 'This allows that work to take place.' The memorandum of understanding says excavation and decontamination of the soil in one parcel of land must be completed by Capital Sports Development by a deadline after the sale closes, failing which the NCC would have the right to 'take back' the parcel. The emphasis in the memorandum on active and ecologically friendly forms of transport and green building standards flow from the master concept plan for LeBreton Flats drafted by the NCC following extensive consultations. Story continues below advertisement The 175-page master plan 'prioritizes universal accessibility, transit access and active modes. The community design and proposed land uses enable an urban lifestyle that provides for the daily needs of residents without requiring automobile travel.' It notes the site is connected to two light-rail transit stations as well as pedestrian and cycling facilities and roadways to accommodate and disperse large crowds. New links, staircases and underpasses are planned. Capital Sports Development would be obligated to design and construct one such component — a pedestrian and cycling bridge leading from Preston Street over the light-rail tracks into the Flats, connecting communities to the south, the memorandum of understanding says. It also says construction of the arena and associated buildings would be certified to the Canada Green Building Council's zero carbon standard. In addition, all buildings are to be connected to a planned LeBreton Flats energy system. It is unclear to what extent any new parking spaces on the site would be underground or in surface lots. On the question of surface parking, a document prepared by the NCC says the agreement 'contains provisions for temporary parking on nearby NCC lands.' In addition to the new arena, the NCC's vision for LeBreton Flats includes a mix of residential units, retail outlets, restaurants, green spaces and efforts to honour the rich Algonquin Nation presence in the region. Story continues below advertisement The memorandum stipulates the NCC 'shall ensure the continued development' of lands within the master plan. After the announcement in September, Senators majority owner Michael Andlauer expressed optimism about moving ahead with the arena project, saying it could be possible to drop the first puck at LeBreton in five years. He did not seem worried by the breakdowns and glitches that had plagued Ottawa's light-rail system, saying he was confident 'they'll have all the bugs out' by the time the arena is built. However, Andlauer indicated he was taken aback early in the process by the NCC's environmentally friendly requirements, saying the commission could be a bit too 'ideological.' 'They mean well, but … I'm thinking through the lens of the fan,' Andlauer said. In response to questions about the September agreement, including whether the transportation and ecological conditions would be achievable, the Ottawa Senators said the hockey club would 'refrain from making any comments' out of respect for the current negotiations. Valérie Dufour, an NCC spokesperson, said that in order to 'respect the integrity of ongoing discussions, we will not make any further comments at this time.'
Toronto Sun
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Eco-friendly transportation a condition of planned Ottawa Senators arena: agreement
Published May 19, 2025 • 4 minute read In this photo taken using a drone, the LeBreton Flats area is seen west of Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Photo by Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Public transit, cycling and walking will be the 'primary and preferred modes' of getting fans to and from the Ottawa Senators' planned downtown arena, says a newly disclosed agreement on the project. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Under the agreement, a group led by the NHL team would be responsible for designing, building and paying for a publicly accessible cycling and pedestrian bridge linking a major Ottawa street to the LeBreton Flats arena site. In addition, the arena and associated elements would be 'zero carbon' buildings — highly energy-efficient structures with minimal greenhouse gas emissions from materials and operations. The National Capital Commission, the federal agency that controls the land, and Capital Sports Development Inc., led by the Senators, signed a memorandum of understanding last September on the planned purchase of five parcels totalling 10 acres. The sale of the land near Parliament Hill could be completed later this year following finalization of a price based on fair market value. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Many Senators fans have long desired a central venue for the team, which has played since 1996 in an arena in the suburb of Kanata about 25 kilometres west of downtown. The proposed arena, billed as a major events centre, would also host concerts and other attractions. The memorandum and documents related to the September 2024 agreement were recently obtained by The Canadian Press through the Access to Information Act. Some portions of the documents were withheld from release on the basis the information could prejudice a competitive position or interfere with negotiations if made public. Representatives of the NCC and the Senators declined to answer questions about the documents, citing the ongoing negotiations. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. At a September press conference to announce the agreement, Senators president Cyril Leeder called the move 'a great first step' but added there was a lot of work ahead. 'This allows that work to take place.' The memorandum of understanding says excavation and decontamination of the soil in one parcel of land must be completed by Capital Sports Development by a deadline after the sale closes, failing which the NCC would have the right to 'take back' the parcel. The emphasis in the memorandum on active and ecologically friendly forms of transport and green building standards flow from the master concept plan for LeBreton Flats drafted by the NCC following extensive consultations. The 175-page master plan 'prioritizes universal accessibility, transit access and active modes. The community design and proposed land uses enable an urban lifestyle that provides for the daily needs of residents without requiring automobile travel.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It notes the site is connected to two light-rail transit stations as well as pedestrian and cycling facilities and roadways to accommodate and disperse large crowds. New links, staircases and underpasses are planned. Capital Sports Development would be obligated to design and construct one such component — a pedestrian and cycling bridge leading from Preston Street over the light-rail tracks into the Flats, connecting communities to the south, the memorandum of understanding says. It also says construction of the arena and associated buildings would be certified to the Canada Green Building Council's zero carbon standard. In addition, all buildings are to be connected to a planned LeBreton Flats energy system. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It is unclear to what extent any new parking spaces on the site would be underground or in surface lots. On the question of surface parking, a document prepared by the NCC says the agreement 'contains provisions for temporary parking on nearby NCC lands.' In addition to the new arena, the NCC's vision for LeBreton Flats includes a mix of residential units, retail outlets, restaurants, green spaces and efforts to honour the rich Algonquin Nation presence in the region. The memorandum stipulates the NCC 'shall ensure the continued development' of lands within the master plan. After the announcement in September, Senators majority owner Michael Andlauer expressed optimism about moving ahead with the arena project, saying it could be possible to drop the first puck at LeBreton in five years. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He did not seem worried by the breakdowns and glitches that had plagued Ottawa's light-rail system, saying he was confident 'they'll have all the bugs out' by the time the arena is built. However, Andlauer indicated he was taken aback early in the process by the NCC's environmentally friendly requirements, saying the commission could be a bit too 'ideological.' 'They mean well, but … I'm thinking through the lens of the fan,' Andlauer said. In response to questions about the September agreement, including whether the transportation and ecological conditions would be achievable, the Ottawa Senators said the hockey club would 'refrain from making any comments' out of respect for the current negotiations. Valerie Dufour, an NCC spokesperson, said that in order to 'respect the integrity of ongoing discussions, we will not make any further comments at this time.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Towering Utah Defenceman Would Be Ideal Senators Trade Target
Injuries to Artem Zub and Nick Jensen highlighted the Ottawa Senators' need for greater quality of depth on the right side throughout the 2024-25 season. Their absences created opportunity, and to his credit, Nik Matinpalo parlayed his emergence as a credible depth option into a two-year, one-way extension carrying an average annual value of $875,000. Despite the 26-year-old Finn's arrival, the reluctance of the coaching staff to move Matinpalo off the third pairing when faced with injuries underscores the necessity of finding better quality of depth. It is essential with the uncertainty of Jensen's recovery and timetable from his undisclosed lower-body injury and the impact it may have on his offseason. Bookmark The Hockey News Ottawa and never miss the latest Senators news, interviews, columns, features and more. General manager Steve Staios discussed Jensen's injury at his end-of-the-season media availability before acknowledging that it could influence his decision to address the right defence position this offseason. "I can tell you that just about every one of our players was dealing with something when you play as hard as they did," the general manager stated. "The commitment they've shown, they played through a lot, including Nick. He's an absolute warrior to continue to perform at a level with what he was dealing with. "It's the character of the individual Nick, but all of them. I'm not going to come out with any list and speak specifically to injuries. But, he will get re-evaluated, and if it is something significant, that's definitely an area to to look at. We have some players coming up, but that'll be an area to look at for sure." Should the Senators' front office look to add another quality defenceman, the free agent options will be limited. The Florida Panthers' Aaron Ekblad headlines the class, but the relatively weak crop of free agents means his combination of age (29) and championship pedigree will make him highly sought after. The demand for him will drive his cost, likely pricing him out of the Senators' range, assuming he would be interested in coming to this market in the first place. Another unrestricted free agent who will likely command some decent money coming off a strong season in Columbus is Dante Fabbro. The 26-year-old rearguard had his best season in the NHL, recording nine goals and 26 points in 62 games for the Blue Jackets. As one of the youngest players on the free agent market, that consideration alone will afford Fabbro a real opportunity to earn a significant raise on this season's $2.5 million salary. Regarding the Senators, I do not see a fit for Fabbro. Most of his value is tied to his puck-moving and offensive abilities, and with the presence of Thomas Chabot, Jake Sanderson and Nick Jensen, the Senators already have several of these types. Adding size, physicality, and defensive aptitude to their top four should be the preferred route. A free agent like Nick Perbix could make more sense, but the risk is that he predominantly played a third-pairing role on an excellent Lightning team. HockeyViz's data show that his minor isolated impacts suggest he's closer to a league-average player than not, so the risk is overpaying for a defenceman who could be worse playing an elevated role on a weaker team. The rest of the unrestricted free agent options are underwhelming, which will pressure the Senators to make a trade and fill that void. Local talent Mackenzie Weegar would be a pipe dream if the Senators could pry him out of Calgary, but a Flames defenceman they should avoid is Rasmus Andersson. The 28-year-old Swede will enter the 2025-26 season in the final year of his six-year contract, carrying a $4.55 million cap hit. Calgary is known for its 'Sea of Red', but a close inspection of Andersson's underlying metrics reveals its own sea of red. Andersson played with a broken fibula down the stretch last season, which would have explained his horrendous metrics, but Andersson's defensive metrics have cratered in recent seasons. Evolving-Hockey's 'total defence' metric (DEF) combines all of a player's defensive contributions at five-on-five and shorthanded into a single value. This proprietary metric shows that Andersson has not created positive defensive value since the 2021-22 season. His performance while playing hurt could help the Senators buy low, but if Andersson's defensive metrics continue to suffer, it would put the team in a difficult position. The Senators already have one of the thinnest farm systems in the league, so they can ill afford to trade prospect capital or valuable draft currency for a player who will not address a need. If the Senators are going to move that capital, they would be better suited moving picks for more predictable veterans like Connor Murphy or Andrew Peeke. Alternatively, they could target younger options who could grow with this core, like Simon Nemec or a Jordan Spence (who, admittedly, is a smaller puck-moving type who relies on skating and his stick to defend well). While researching prospective defencemen to target, one of the things that struck me was how many organizations are willing to use defencemen on their off-side. One solution for the Senators could be to use Tyler Kleven in this capacity, freeing them from using resources to bring in a top-four defenceman. Kleven has experience playing his off-side from his time at the University of North Dakota. The maturation and growth that he displayed down the stretch and into the postseason was remarkable. He was already one of the team's best defenders, but watching his poise and play with the puck improve markedly leaves me wondering whether or not he could thrive in this role if given the opportunity. The Senators could elevate Kleven and sign an excellent defender like Jon Merrill, giving the Senators three strong pairings. If the Senators elect to acquire a right-shot defenceman, however, there is an option that they should consider pursuing. Why 2024-25 Was The Best Season Yet For Senators Centre Tim Stützle Ottawa Senators centre Tim Stützle just enjoyed the best season of his NHL career. If you are a regular viewer of the 'Coming in Hot Podcast' and saw yesterday's episode, you will have seen me mention the name of Michael Kesselring. The 25-year-old right-shot defenceman stands at 6'5" and 216 lbs. He registered seven goals and 29 points in 82 games while averaging 17:41 of ice time per game. Kesselring finished tied for 32nd amongst NHL defencemen in blocked shots with 124 while tying for 69th in hits with 87. His most iconic NHL moment occurred during a tilt in which the Maple Leafs' Simon Benoit attempted a Superman punch, but Kesselring possesses a nice mix of traditional hockey stats and analytics. Although he played almost exclusively with noted analytics darling and legendary Senators defenceman Ian Cole, Kesselring's defensive numbers were strong. When Kesselring was on the ice at five-on-five, Utah generated 53.91 percent of shots (CF%), 53.79 percent of the shots on goal (SF%), 56.47 percent of the goals (GF%), and 54.05 percent of the expected goals (xGF%) per NaturalStatTrick. According to HockeyViz's data, Utah was a stronger defensive team with Kesselring on the ice than off it. Evolving-Hockey's data substantiate Kesselring's defensive gains. According to their DEF metric, Kesselring posted his first positive season of defensive value, accumulating the second-highest DEF among Utah's regular defencemen behind Olli Maata. Advanced Hockey Stats also recognized his defensive improvements. Kesselring is entering the last year of his two-year contract, worth a real and average annual value of $1.4 million. He has one year left of restricted free agent status before he can become an unrestricted free agent, meaning, he should have some negotiating leverage on his next deal. It may also represent the last opportunity to acquire Kesselring before his value and price tag go up significantly. If the belief is that his offensive value can be preserved while his defensive aptitude continues to trend up, he could be an interesting target for consideration. Given the alternatives, it may not be a bad bet. Graeme NicholsThe Hockey News Ottawa Bookmark The Hockey News Ottawa and never miss the latest Senators news, interviews, columns, features and more.
Ottawa Citizen
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa fans revel in first PWHL home playoff game
The Ottawa Senators' short-lived playoff run may be over, but the city's postseason fever was alive and well on Tuesday night with the Ottawa Charge hosting their first playoff game. Article content Between a drum line and trumpets welcoming fans into TD Place, a cache of local celebrities including artist Jamie Fine and Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark and a chorus of kazoos cheering players as they walked down 'Electric Avenue' into the rink, the electricity was palpable long before players stepped on the ice. Article content Article content While few in the hockey world gave the Charge much of a chance against Marie-Philip Poulin and the first-place Montreal Victoire, bringing the best-of-five series back home tied 1-1 proved their mettle. Article content But that wasn't a surprise for Tucker and Jennifer Tackaberry, who feel that their team has long been discredited by the media for their supposed lack of marquee players. Article content 'They dis our team all the time, and don't give our girls any credit or respect,' Tucker said. 'We have a lot of hard-working women on our team, and we have four good lines that run through, and, if they all work together like they did in Game 1, we're going all the way.' Article content All season, the confidence and belief emanating from Charge fans have been represented by the chorus of kazoos from the stands of TD Place. Their numbers continued to grow in Game 3 of the playoffs, as some of the early apprehensions from fans like Tucker wore off. Now, it's a staple unique to Ottawa. Article content Article content 'At first, I thought it was a bit cheesy, but it's really caught on,' Tucker said, who joined Tackaberry in attending Game 2 in Montreal on Sunday, when kazoos appeared among the sea of Victoire fans. Article content 'Some of (the Montreal fans) came up to us and said, 'This kazoo thing is really cool,'' she added. 'They're not too overbearing, but they're enough that they still get everybody going and chanting.' Article content With the margins between the Charge and Victoire proving to be razor-thin through two games in Montreal, Ottawa fans' faith in the team had already been validated, but following that Game 2 quadruple-overtime thriller in Montreal, they were just hoping the Charge would get down to business sooner in Game 3. Article content Article content Eric Pommainville and Martin Villeneuve said they'd still stick around TD Place for a similar overtime scenario, but arrangements would need to be made. Article content 'I'd call the babysitter and let them know,' Villeneuve said, laughing. Article content The unwavering support hasn't gone unseen by Charge head coach Carla MacLeod, who said on Monday that she expected the fans to make up for any energy lost from the team's five and a half-hour 'Mustard Marathon.' Article content 'It's always a thrill to play at TD Place and for fans to get their first taste of playoff hockey,' McLeod said. 'Hopefully this roof stays intact, and I feel like, if there's a crowd that can take a roof down, it's ours.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Canucks Goaltender Roberto Luongo Named To NHL Quarter-Century Team
Gaud's Plan: Adam Gaudette's Decision To Sign In Ottawa Works Out Perfectly Adam Gaudette has quietly been one of the best stories of the Ottawa Senators' season – a tale of a player struggling to get back to the NHL, joining forces with a team struggling to get back to the NHL playoffs. 0:43 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
