The Ottawa Senators will no longer require fans to be masked from Saturday’s home game

OTTAWA – The Ottawa senators have eliminated their mask mandate for fans from Saturday.

The move comes amid Ontario’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and in the heels of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., which announces the elimination of mask mandates from Monday for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors games.

“As has been the case throughout the pandemic, we have routinely liaised with city and county health officials before embarking on our own next steps in the reopening process,” Senators business president Anthony LeBlanc said in a statement. “In line with Ottawa Public Health, we will continue to encourage patrons to take all precautions they feel are important to their and others’ safety.”

While wearing a mask is voluntary, senators still recommend it, taking into account public health information and the guidance of local health authorities. Masks will remain mandatory for Senators Sports & Entertainment staff along with third-party vendors at the Canadian Tire Center until the end of the 2021-22 season.

MLSE’s mask mandate ended Monday, though they say masks remain “highly recommended.” The changes take effect Wednesday when the Maple Leafs host the New Jersey Devils. The Raptors host Cleveland on Thursday.

The Montreal Canadiens are the only NHL team in Canada with a mask mandate.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on March 22, 2022.