Hockey Mascot’s Chanukah Spirit

A Menorah was lit for the very first time at the Scotiabank Place Arena, home of Ottawa’s NHL team, the Ottawa Senators.

The event, coordinated by Ottawa Torah Centre Chabad (OTC), featured the teams’ official mascot Spartacat who helped light the Menorah and distributed Chanukah gelt to the children.

This event took place on the first night of Chanukah, coordinated by OTC’s director Rabbi Menachem M. Blum in partnership with the Ottawa Jewish Federation and the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club.

As people walked in to the arena for the Senators/Sabres game they were greeted by a 9ft. Menorah, setup in the main plaza with a sign inviting everyone to the lighting ceremony to take place during the first intermission. The Menorah lighting was announced on the scoreboard during the first period while official announcer Stuntman Stu wished the crowd a “Happy Chanukah.”

Rabbi Sender Gordon, OTC’s program director, was on hand to assist with the ceremony as well as representatives from the hockey team. The teams’ official mascot Spartacat entertained the children by distributing Chanukah Gelt and helped light the Shamash. Donuts and latkes were enjoyed by all and lots of Jewish pride was felt in the air.

Attendees were invited to drop in anytime during the game and visit a special Chanukah suite that was stocked with additional Chanukah goodies.

On a cold Canadian winter night this event spread the light and warmth of Chanukah to thousands of people who were at the game while Ottawa Senators fans enjoyed a 4-1 victory.