The Senators said that they "will have 'enhanced' security measures in place" for Saturday’s home game versus the Devils in light of Wednesday's shootings, and added that they will have a "lasting tribute" to the soldier killed in the incident, according to Wayne Scanlan of the OTTAWA CITIZEN. Senators President Cyril Leeder promised that the team as part of the "healing" process will hold a "moment’s silence, a special pre-game ceremony as well as a 'very special anthem presentation.'" He said that late military reservist Cpl. Nathan Cirillo "will be honoured for the balance of the season in some way, the details of which will be forthcoming." It "could mean players will wear a patch on their jerseys." Fans "are being asked to wear red in honour of Canadian soldiers." Leeder said that as for security, while the Senators "already check bags at entry gates and wand fans for metal detection, the procedures will be 'full throttle' on Saturday ... including extra police and military on site." In order to "facilitate fan entry into the building, the doors will open 30 minutes earlier than normal" (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 10/24). The OTTAWA CITIZEN's Scanlan noted the rendition of "O Canada" at Saturday's game "is expected to take centre stage, by way of a tribute." Senators coach Paul MacLean said the singing of the anthem "usually is thrilling, but I would anticipate it will have more significant meaning to it than it had in the past" (OTTAWACITIZEN.com, 10/23). Senators D Chris Phillips expects that the anthem "will be quite something." Phillips: "I expect it to be loud and proud" (OTTAWA SUN, 10/24).
RESCHEDULED GAME DETAILS: The NHL rescheduled Wednesday's postponed Maple Leafs-Senators game, which was put off in light of the attack, to Nov. 9 (NHL). In Ottawa, Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators "fully supported the decision by the league to postpone Wednesday's game." The discussions started around 11:30am ET and by 12:30pm, the game "was put off." Not only were there "concerns about trying to put 20,500 people in the building, the Senators knew there weren't enough Ottawa police officers available to work the game because of the operations downtown" (OTTAWA SUN, 10/24).
CFL TO HOLD TRIBUTE, TOO: In Ottawa, Gord Holder reports players in Friday night's CFL Alouettes-Redblacks game "are to be part of a tribute to Cirillo." Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group Redblacks President Jeff Hunt said that Friday's game "would be the eighth sellout crowd of 24,000-plus in as many home games for the Redblacks this season." He advised that spectators should "note the earlier than usual start time -- 6:30 p.m. -- and to try to arrive beforehand in order to take in and be part of the pre-game tribute." There "will be enhanced security measures at the entrances." Hunt added that the presentation "would recognize not only Cirillo and Wednesday’s events in Ottawa, but also Monday’s tragedy at St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., where Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was killed and another Canadian soldier was injured when they were run down by a car by a man suspected to have been radicalized" (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 10/24).
