It's PWHL Ottawa's inaugural season, which means for many, it's the first opportunity for players and staff to see skaters on the historic Rideau Canal Skateway.
It's PWHL Ottawa's inaugural season, which means for many, it's the first opportunity for players and staff to see skaters on the historic Rideau Canal Skateway.
After being closed last winter for the first time in more than 50 years, January 22, 2024 marked a date many in the City of Ottawa were thrilled about, as the Rideau Canal officially opened a 1.9 kilometre (1.2 mile) section for skating. Following a number of very cold evenings this winter, there’s a palpable excitement in the community, as nothing screams “Ottawa” quite like Beavertails and skating on the Canal.
“Yeah I’m putting my skate guards on right now and heading over. I’ll bring my whistle. Going to check out my long stride,” PWHL Ottawa head coach Carla MacLeod said.
The Rideau Canal, which originally opened in 1832, spanning 7.8 kilometres (4.8 miles) and was used, at times, to avoid the dangers of American soldiers along the St Lawrence River, as well as a safe supply route between Montreal and Kingston. The Canal was also named a World Heritage Site in 2007 and has been a tourist destination for decades.
“We drove past the canal and to see hundreds of people skating on the ice, we were like ‘Oh my god, we should be skating on the canal," said defender Zoe Boyd. "When the opportunity arises that we’re able to go out there, I’m sure the girls will be taking advantage of it.”
For a destination that can see over 1.5 million people in a season, the Rideau Canal is integral to the city’s tourism, in all seasons, and is a big part of other winter activities in the city, such as Winterlude.
“We’re excited," said MacLeod. "Obviously we’re new to Ottawa but I’m sure there will be a time when we throw our skates on. Maybe one day, we’ll skate to work and show that video.”
For MacLeod, there could not be a more perfect opportunity to connect with the Ottawa-Gatineau community than to skate along the Rideau Canal, where fans of PWHL Ottawa would have the opportunity to interact with their favourite players in one of the most unique, fun and unforgettable ways.