Ottawa hockey fans who've packed TD Place for Ottawa Charge games may soon be cheering in a much bigger barn. The PWHL's Ottawa franchise is in active discussions about a potential lease to play its home games at Canadian Tire Centre, the Kanata arena that is home to the NHL's Ottawa Senators.
The news has quickly set Ottawa's hockey community buzzing, raising questions about what such a move would mean for the Charge's fan culture, its visibility, and how the supporters who've made TD Place their second home would feel about the shift.
Why the Move Is Being Considered
Canadian Tire Centre offers the Charge significantly more capacity than TD Place at Lansdowne Park. The Senators' arena seats upward of 18,000 fans for NHL games, compared to TD Place's roughly 10,000-seat capacity. For a franchise that has seen growing attendance and passionate crowds, the larger venue could help the Charge capitalize on the league's surging momentum.
From the Senators organization's perspective, the partnership would be a logical fit. The two teams already share Ottawa as their market, and combining resources under one roof could create efficiencies while boosting the profile of women's professional hockey in the region.
The Ottawa Fan Question
Not everyone is immediately sold. Part of what has made Charge games at TD Place electric is the intimate atmosphere. It delivers the kind of buzzing, close-quarters crowd energy that larger arenas sometimes struggle to replicate. Regular Charge attendees have pointed out that the existing venue has felt electric and community-driven, and many wonder whether Kanata's suburban location could make games less accessible for fans who rely on transit or live downtown.
"The vibe at TD Place is special," said one Charge season-ticket holder. "But if the team grows into that bigger space and fills it, that could be something incredible."
What a CTC Move Would Mean for Ottawa Sports
A successful PWHL tenancy at Canadian Tire Centre would make Ottawa one of the few cities in North America to have both an NHL franchise and a professional women's hockey team sharing a venue, a powerful statement about the depth of hockey fandom in the region.
The Senators have already signalled openness to such a partnership, and PWHL leadership has consistently said they want Ottawa to thrive. Attendance and merchandise numbers for the Charge have been among the stronger stories in the league's first two seasons.
What Happens to TD Place?
TD Place would not be left without hockey, the Ottawa 67's OHL franchise calls it home, and it hosts concerts and events year-round. A Charge departure would not leave the Lansdowne venue dark.
For now, discussions are ongoing and no official deal has been announced. Charge fans should expect more clarity in the coming weeks as the PWHL finalizes planning for next season.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
