Heritage Ministry nixes idea for NHL game on Parliament Hill
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) Canada's 150th birthday celebration won't include an outdoor NHL game on Parliament Hill.
The press secretary for Heritage Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement Friday that a full-stadium NHL game on the Hill wasn't considered feasible, and that other options are being considered to honor the nation's milestone birthday.
The NHL and Ottawa Senators had been pushing for the game, which would have also coincided with the 100th anniversary of the league and 25th birthday of the team.
In the statement, however, the Heritage Ministry said the government worked with partners in the public and private sectors over the past 18 months and concluded that installing a temporary rink would disrupt everyday business on Parliament Hill and would create security and public access issues.