The game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators on Wednesday has been postponed because of terrorist events that occurred on Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa.
A Canadian soldier was shot and killed at the National War Memorial by a gunman, who proceeded through the Peace Tower entrance and fired gunshots inside the Parliament building, but was later shot and killed. Another incident of gunfire occurred in the Rideau Center Mall, which is in close proximity to the Westin Ottawa Hotel where the Maple Leafs were staying. Reports from CBC and the Ottawa Citizen indicate that suspects in the multiple shootings may still be at large. In spite of the game taking place at the Canadian Tire Center in suburban Kanata(22 kms outside of Ottawa), the current security situation is fluid, which was a important consideration in the decision to postpone the contest between the Atlantic Division rivals to a later date.
Globe reporter Josh Wingrove captures some of the shooting drama on Parliament Hill http://t.co/iTj0yyXZE8
— Paul Waldie (@pwaldieGLOBE) October 22, 2014The Leafs arrived in Ottawa early Wednesday morning after a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders Tuesday night. Toronto play-by-play man Joe Bowen indicated during an interview on Sportsnet's Hockey Central that a number of Toronto players heard shots this morning outside the hotel and were told to stay in their rooms and away from windows following the shootings.
The club is reported to be safe inside of the hotel and will leave Ottawa when security concerns have been alleviated.
#Leafs remain in downtown Ottawa hotel. Plan is to head back to Toronto late in the afternoon.
— Terry Koshan (@koshtorontosun) October 22, 2014"The Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of all affected by the tragic events in downtown Ottawa today." The Leafs stated in a press release following Wednesday's events. "The club supports the National Hockey League’s decision to postpone tonight’s scheduled meeting with the Ottawa Senators. We have been witness today to some terrible events but are thankful to those brave men and women for their tireless service in protecting everyone’s safety."
Surreal scene outside of our hotel right now. Lot of very brave police officers we should all be very proud of.
— Joffrey Lupul (@JLupul) October 22, 2014The date and time of the rescheduled game will be announced at a later date.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the soldier killed, to members of the Canadian military, the RCMP and to the people of Ottawa.
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