Ottawa’s Women’s Hockey Team Eyes New Home with NHL Help

The Ottawa Charge—a founding team of Canada’s women’s hockey league—are navigating a pivotal moment as their home arena undergoes renovation that will slash seating from 8,500 to roughly 5,700. With an average attendance of about 7,000 last season, the reduced capacity threatens financial viability.

Key Developments

• Partnership with Ottawa Senators
• League talks with the Senators aim to host Charge games at the Canadian Tire Centre (CTC).
• The Charge already have a partnership; they will play Montreal at the CTC on April 3.
• Amy Scheer, Charge business leader, describes the relationship as “blossoming” and lauds Senators’ president‑CEO Cyril Leeder.

• Exploring All Options
• The league considers relocating the Charge to a new city but has stated it will not “go backwards.”

• Concurrently, the league is expanding: adding eight teams this season and planning further growth next year.

• Future Arena Plans
• The Senators are developing a new downtown arena, potentially closer to the Charge’s fan base and within 40 minutes of Ottawa’s core.

Impact on Fans

• The Charge have historically attracted a robust fan base in Ottawa, with attendance growth noted over the past three seasons.
• A move to the CTC or a new venue could maintain revenue streams and keep the Charge in Ottawa’s sports landscape.

The unfolding situation underscores a broader narrative of growth, partnership, and adaptability within women’s professional hockey in Canada.