NHL reschedules Leafs-Senators game after shooting in Ottawa

UPDATE: The game between the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs that was postponed because of Wednesday’s shooting on Parliament Hill has been rescheduled for Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. at Canadian Tire Centre.

OTTAWA – The NHL has postponed Wednesday night’s game between the Maple Leafs and Senators following the shootings on Parliament Hill.

The NHL made the announcement Wednesday afternoon as a tense situation in Ottawa continued to unfold.

A gunman opened fire this morning, wounding a soldier at the National War Memorial before injuring a security guard on Parliament Hill, where he was reportedly shot dead by Parliament’s sergeant-at-arms.

“The National Hockey League wishes to express its sympathy to all affected by the tragic events that took place this morning in downtown Ottawa,” read a statement on the NHL’s official website. The date and time of the rescheduled game hasn’t been announced.

The Leafs, who played the Islanders last night in New York, did not have a morning skate at Canadian Tire Centre.

A spokesman said the team was safe at its hotel, which is not far from Parliament Hill.

“Surreal scene outside of our hotel right now,” Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul tweeted. “Lot of very brave police officers we should all be very proud of.”

The Senators skated at Canadian Tire Centre, which is located about 30 minutes outside of the downtown core.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by today’s tragic events on Parliament Hill and in downtown Ottawa,” Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said in a statement. “Our collective thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims as well as with all members of Parliament and staff who have had to manage through today’s difficult circumstances.

“Hockey is certainly secondary to these types of tragic events and we know our fans stand alongside us with the league’s decision to postpone tonight’s game.”

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In April 2013, the NHL postponed a game between the Bruins and Senators after the Boston Marathon bombing. Those teams played the game the day after the regular season ended.