The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is exploring a potential partnership with the Ottawa Senators that could see the Ottawa Charge play future home games at the Canadian Tire Centre, as uncertainty grows around the team’s current arena situation in the nation’s capital.
League officials confirmed that discussions with the Senators have been “constructive” as the PWHL searches for a long-term solution to keep the Charge in Ottawa. The talks centre on moving the team’s home games to the NHL club’s arena in Kanata, a move that could help stabilize the franchise’s future amid upcoming renovations at its current venue.
Renovations at TD Place Create Uncertainty
The Charge currently play at TD Place Arena, which also hosts the Ottawa 67’s. However, planned upgrades to the facility will significantly reduce its seating capacity for hockey games.
Once renovations begin, the arena’s capacity is expected to drop from roughly 8,500 seats to about 5,700 seats, with an additional 900 standing-room spaces. According to PWHL officials, the reduced seating would make it financially difficult for the league to continue operating there.
Attendance numbers highlight why the league wants a larger venue. The Charge averaged approximately 7,000 fans per game during the first two seasons of the PWHL, with attendance increasing to about 7,225 through the first nine home games of the current campaign. With demand exceeding the reduced capacity, the league says remaining at TD Place long-term is not a viable option.
Growing Relationship With the Senators
The relationship between the PWHL and the Senators has already begun to develop. The Charge are scheduled to host a game at the Canadian Tire Centre on April 3 against the Montreal Victoire, a matchup that has reportedly generated strong ticket sales.
League executives say the collaboration with the Senators organization has been positive so far. PWHL leadership has held meetings with Senators owner Michael Andlauer and team president Cyril Leeder, signalling potential momentum toward a longer-term partnership.
If the move happens, the Charge would gain access to an NHL-level venue capable of accommodating significantly more fans than TD Place after its renovation.
Arena Location Still a Factor
One challenge is the location of the Canadian Tire Centre, which sits roughly 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa. While the arena has long served as the Senators’ home, some fans have raised concerns about accessibility compared with centrally located venues.
However, the Senators organization is already planning a new arena closer to Ottawa’s downtown core. Should that project move forward, it could create an even stronger long-term home for both the NHL franchise and potentially the PWHL team.
Expansion Plans Add Pressure
The uncertainty around the Charge’s arena comes at a pivotal time for the PWHL. After launching with six teams, the league expanded to eight clubs this season and is actively evaluating the addition of two to four more franchises in the near future.
League officials have previously stated they want to maintain strong markets and avoid shrinking opportunities for fan growth. Ensuring the Charge remain in Ottawa with a suitable arena would align with that strategy.
For now, negotiations continue, but the possibility of the Charge skating regularly at the Canadian Tire Centre could mark the next step in strengthening women’s professional hockey in Canada’s capital.