Make plans for Ottawa's 2012 All-Star NHL Hockey competition

Ottawa Travel Guide

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Wednesday, 16 November 2011 17:09

Hockey fans are anxiously awaiting an event that will be taking place this winter that is sure to be a thrilling spectacle to delight city residents and travellers coming to Canada's capital city. Ottawa has won its bid to host the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star Celebration January 26th to 29th. The game will be held at Scotiabank Place, and will honour the city's hockey team's return to the NHL two decades ago, says the NHL's website.

Travellers may quickly discover upon their visit to Ottawa that this city prides itself on a rich hockey history, which is especially prevalent during their exciting NHL season. Officials from the Ottawa Senators say they are looking forward to the festivities and the thrilling game that will surely be a sight to see. In the past five years, the city has hosted the Stanley Cup Finals, two NHL drafts and the World Junior Championship, so it is happy to add this All-Star game to its repertoire.

Guests who attend the event can enjoy a game played by the best of the best in the league, representing various teams from across North America. According to ESPN, fans started voting for their favourite players on November 14th, and final decisions about who will participate will be determined before the game takes place in the new year.

As plans for the games and hockey-themed events continue to form, there have been rumours about various happenings taking place. One buzzed about idea is a friendly professional hockey game being played right on the frozen Rideau Canal Skateway. This and other spectacles will take place just a week before the city’s already popular Winterlude festival begins. Winterlude runs weekends from February 3 to 20 and offers locals and tourists alike a plethora of fun activities to take part in, including ice skating, snow sculptures and musical performances, says the Ottawa Start website.

Tourism officials estimate that Ottawa will be an exciting place for guests to visit around this time, as they expect more than 7,000 hotel rooms to be booked and more than $30 million in revenue to be generated around the game.

Travellers who are planning future holidays in Ottawa will not want to miss the game and the other great events happenings throughout the city. Before visiting, individuals can vote for their favourite players they'd like to see compete on the NHL website, and then make plans for their stay. Fortunately, there is a wealth of wonderful accommodations to choose from in the city, which will truly make for a great holiday travel trip.