Local PWHL fans have something to worry about, just as the league’s third season is about to get underway. The Ottawa Charge is sounding the alarm after city council approved the Lansdowne 2.0 plan. The move cuts their home rink from 8,500 seats down to about 6,600-a big blow for a team averaging nearly 7,000 fans and climbing. League officials call it a ‘huge step back,’ saying they won’t play in a downsized arena. Relocation is even on the table, though the hope is to stay in Ottawa. Alternatives like Canadian Tire Centre or LeBreton Flats are being explored. For now, the Charge are focused on the season-but the fight for a proper home ice is just heating up.
By Rick Stow

