Montreal Canadiens fans in the Outaouais region are faced with disappointment as the planned screening of their team’s playoff game against the Carolina Hurricanes has been cancelled. This screening was set for Saturday at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau.
Cancellation Details
The cancellation was announced on Thursday through a press release issued by the event’s organizers. This decision came after tickets for the watch-along had already been made available earlier in the week.
Organizers and Partnerships
The event was organized by Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy, in partnership with Festival Outaouais en fête and Vision Multisports Outaouais (VSMO). They had earlier secured broadcasting rights from TVA Sports, the exclusive French-language broadcaster for the NHL playoffs.
However, complications arose due to exclusive territorial rights associated with the Ottawa Senators. Sources indicated that the NHL intervened, citing territorial issues due to the proximity of the Senators to Gatineau.
Reactions from Organizers
- Wassim Aboutanos, an organizer, expressed disappointment regarding the cancellation.
- A spokesperson for the NHL acknowledged the excitement surrounding the playoffs but emphasized that the event was not authorized.
- Sylvain St-Laurent, a Senators spokesperson, stated that the team was minimally involved in the decision process.
Future Collaborations
Julie Moffatt, president of Les Grands Feux, reported ongoing discussions with the NHL, TVA Sports, and the Ottawa Senators. They are exploring the possibility of hosting another game viewing event in the future.
Impact on Fans
Fans who purchased tickets for the event will receive refunds directly from VMSO.
Montreal Canadiens Playoff Series
The Montreal Canadiens are set to begin their playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, a highly anticipated matchup for fans in the region.
Context of the Ottawa Senators
Since Michael Andlauer’s ownership of the Senators began in 2023, the team has sought to strengthen its connection with the Gatineau market. Initiatives include practices held at the Slush Puppie Centre and collaboration with Hockey Outaouais to create the Outaouais Senators for elite men’s teams in the region starting next season.
