Ottawa·Video

Rideau Canal skateway plays host to 150 games of shinny

Some 2,500 minor hockey players took to the Rideau Canal Skateway Saturday morning for 150 games of shinny to mark Canada's 150th birthday.

Hockey games mark Canada's 150th birthday

Minor hockey players play a game of shinny on the Rideau Canal Skateway during CIBC Shinny Day, on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017 in Ottawa. 2,500 players played games of pick up hockey on 150 makeshift rinks in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Canada's Confederation. (Justin Tang/Canadian Press)

Who needs to open up the wallet for a Ottawa Senators ticket when you can catch 150 games of shinny for free?

That was the scene Saturday morning on the Rideau Canal, where some 2,500 minor hockey players crowded onto the still-frozen skateway for the massive celebration of outdoor hockey.

The five-on-five, 60-minute games marked both Hockey Day in Canada and the fact that 2017 is the country's 150th birthday. 

The National Capital Commission closed the entire length of the canal until 9:15 a.m. so they could take place.

150 hockey games on the Rideau Canal

8 years ago
Duration 0:35
The Rideau Canal was shut down to everyone but 2,500 minor hockey players to mark Hockey Day in Canada.

Of course, if you do want to see the Senators play, they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight.