Ottawa Senators announce brand new mask policy for fans

As COVID-19 restrictions continue to be eased back across Ontario, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. announced that beginning yesterday, the face mask mandate would end for fans attending Leafs and Raptors games at Scotiabank Arena, though masks would continue to be "strongly recommended". 

And now, the Ottawa Senators have followed their lead. Beginning on Saturday, fans in attendance at Canadian Tire Centre will no longer be required to wear face masks. 

"As has been the case throughout the pandemic, we’ve routinely liaised with city and provincial health officials before embarking on our own next steps of the reopening process," Senators president of business operations Anthony LeBlanc said in a statement. "In lockstep with Ottawa Public Health, we'll continue to encourage patrons to take all measures they feel are important to their safety and that of others."

However, masks will still be required for all employees and third party vendors inside the venue through the end of the season. 

This means that there is only one remaining Canadian team, the Montreal Canadiens, who still have a face mask requirement policy in effect.