Players on opposing teams stood shoulder-to-shoulder in a circle at centre ice as hockey made a stirring return to Ottawa on Saturday night.
Fans, many wearing red and waving Canadian flags, paid their respects to Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent as part of a poignant ceremony prior to the Senators’ game against the New Jersey Devils.
It was the first hockey game to be played in Ottawa since Wednesday’s attack on Parliament Hill and the National War Memorial, where Cirillo was shot and killed. Vincent died in a hit-and-run attack Monday near Montreal.
What followed was a co-ordinated singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “O Canada” between fans in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto and led by Ottawa anthem singer Lyndon Slewidge. The emotional rendition of Canada’s national anthem gave way to cheering, as fans – some with Cirillo’s name written on the back of their jerseys – remained on their feet and applauded until well after the military and police personnel left the ice.
Here are some scenes from Saturday night’s ceremonies.
— With files from Canadian Press
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