WHA Senators (1972–1978)

Lore & Background

The arena was home to two WHA teams: the Ottawa Nationals (1972–1973) and the Ottawa Civics (1976). Neither survived in Ottawa for more than one season. The Nationals played one regular season but moved their playoff games to Toronto and subsequently relocated there permanently to become the Toronto Toros. The Civics were the hastily transplanted Denver Spurs franchise that played only two home games in Ottawa before disbanding.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Civic Centre was thick with anticipation and the sharp scent of fresh ice. The crowd roared as he stepped onto the blue line, the 'Mr. Hockey' legend still commanding respect from both fans and opponents alike. With his sons skating beside him, they moved with a grace that defied their age, weaving through defenders as if time had paused just for them. For those few minutes, Ottawa wasn't just watching hockey; it was witnessing history being made in the only way the city knew how.

Reader's Guide

TD Place Arena, originally the Ottawa Civic Centre, opened in December 1967. It is located under the north grandstand of TD Place Stadium in Ottawa, Ontario. The arena has hosted Canadian and world championships in figure skating, curling, and ice hockey, including the first women's world ice hockey championship in 1990. It is the home of the Ottawa 67's (OHL) and the Ottawa BlackJacks (CEBL).

Did You Know?

• The arena hosted the first-ever Canada Cup hockey game on September 2, 1976, when Canada defeated Finland 11-2.
• The 1972 and 1999 Memorial Cup tournaments were played at the arena.
• The arena was the site of the first IIHF Women's World Ice Hockey Championships in 1990.
• Canadian prime ministers Pierre Trudeau, John Turner, Brian Mulroney, and Kim Campbell were elected party leaders during party conferences held at TD Place Arena.

The Short-Lived WHA Tenure

During the tumultuous era of the World Hockey Association in the 1970s, TD Place Arena served as a fleeting home for two distinct Ottawa franchises that ultimately failed to establish long-term roots. This second attempt was even more precarious; the team managed to play only two home games within the arena before disbanding entirely. Despite hosting these professional efforts, neither organization survived beyond a single season in the capital city. These brief stints highlight the volatility of the WHA during that decade and underscore how the arena, while capable of hosting major events like the Canada Cup, could not sustain a permanent professional hockey presence at that specific time.

Architectural Origins and Centennial Rush

To meet federal grant deadlines requiring completion within that year, the City of Ottawa rushed the project, demolishing the old Ottawa Auditorium to make way for a new complex under the north grandstand of the football stadium at Lansdowne Park. Massive steel girders were barged into the site to support the overhanging roof, creating a unique structural footprint. Despite the unfinished state, the event drew 9,000 fans, with only six requesting refunds, proving immediate public interest. This rapid development ensured the venue served as the city's official Centennial project, though it later faced significant challenges, including chronic roof leaks that required a major $17 million repair for steel corrosion discovered during renovations in 2013.

A Legacy of Historic Sporting Milestones

Beyond its role as a local junior hockey home, the arena has hosted landmark international events that defined Canadian sports history. The venue also played a pivotal role in women's hockey by hosting the inaugural IIHF Women's World Ice Hockey Championships in 1990, where Canada secured the gold medal against the United States. Additionally, the arena's unique seating arrangement, with most spectators on one side of the ice, has been praised as ideal for figure skating presentations, leading to its selection for multiple World Figure Skating Championships and Canadian national titles. These events collectively cement the arena's status as a critical stage for both emerging and established sporting narratives.

Political Significance and Naming Evolution

The venue has served as more than just a sports complex; it is a historic site for Canadian political leadership. Major party conferences held within its walls resulted in the election of four different Prime Ministers: Pierre Trudeau, John Turner, Brian Mulroney, and Kim Campbell. This unique intersection of politics and athletics adds a layer of national importance to the facility's history. Over the decades, the arena has also undergone significant branding changes reflecting local business interests. Originally named the Civic Centre, it temporarily adopted names like Urbandale Centre, Rona Centre, and J. Benson Cartage Centre through one-year naming rights contests initiated by owner Jeff Hunt in 2009. Following extensive renovations that addressed long-standing structural issues, the facility reopened in late 2014 as TD Place Arena under a sponsorship deal with the Toronto-Dominion Bank, marking its modern identity while retaining its deep historical roots.