WHA Senators (1972–1978)

Lore & Background

The Ottawa Senators were not one of the WHA's original franchises; that distinction belongs to the Ottawa Nationals, who moved to Toronto after the 1972–73 season. A new Ottawa franchise—the Senators—joined the WHA in 1973, eager to reclaim the city's hockey heritage. Despite rumors and fan hopes, Gordie Howe never played for Ottawa; he skated for the Houston Aeros and New England Whalers in the WHA. The Senators did, however, feature other notable players and drew passionate crowds to the Ottawa Civic Centre. Financial struggles mounted, and in 1976 the franchise moved to Birmingham, Alabama, becoming the Birmingham Bulls—it did not simply fold. Ottawa would wait until the NHL expansion of 1992 for major league hockey's return.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Civic Centre was thick with anticipation and the sharp scent of fresh ice. The crowd roared as he stepped onto the blue line, the 'Mr. Hockey' legend still commanding respect from both fans and opponents alike. With his sons skating beside him, they moved with a grace that defied their age, weaving through defenders as if time had paused just for them. For those few minutes, Ottawa wasn't just watching hockey; it was witnessing history being made in the only way the city knew how.

Reader's Guide

The early years were defined by excitement as the team drew fans eager to see NHL-caliber talent in a new league environment. By the mid-1970s, financial pressures mounted. While the team remained competitive on ice, securing playoff berths, the economic model of the WHA struggled in smaller Canadian markets compared to American cities or larger Canadian hubs like Winnipeg and Edmonton. The Senators ceased operations, marking the end of an era but ensuring that Ottawa's hockey identity remained intact for future generations.

Did You Know?

• The WHA had multiple Canadian franchises: Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, Quebec Nordiques, and Vancouver Blazers (originally the Philadelphia Blazers), among others—not just two.
• Despite never winning a championship, the Senators were known for their passionate fanbase at the Ottawa Civic Centre.
• The franchise's move to Birmingham (not a folding) paved the way for the NHL to eventually return to Ottawa in 1992.

The Short-Lived WHA Tenure

During the tumultuous era of the World Hockey Association in the 1970s, TD Place Arena served as a fleeting home for two distinct Ottawa franchises that ultimately failed to establish long-term roots. This second attempt was even more precarious; the team managed to play only two home games within the arena before disbanding entirely. Despite hosting these professional efforts, neither organization survived beyond a single season in the capital city. These brief stints highlight the volatility of the WHA during that decade and underscore how the arena, while capable of hosting major events like the Canada Cup, could not sustain a permanent professional hockey presence at that specific time.

Architectural Origins and Centennial Rush

To meet federal grant deadlines requiring completion within that year, the City of Ottawa rushed the project, demolishing the old Ottawa Auditorium to make way for a new complex under the north grandstand of the football stadium at Lansdowne Park. Massive steel girders were barged into the site to support the overhanging roof, creating a unique structural footprint. Despite the unfinished state, the event drew 9,000 fans, with only six requesting refunds, proving immediate public interest. This rapid development ensured the venue served as the city's official Centennial project, though it later faced significant challenges, including chronic roof leaks that required a major $17 million repair for steel corrosion discovered during renovations in 2013.

A Legacy of Historic Sporting Milestones

Beyond its role as a local junior hockey home, the arena has hosted landmark international events that defined Canadian sports history. The venue also played a pivotal role in women's hockey by hosting the inaugural IIHF Women's World Ice Hockey Championships in 1990, where Canada secured the gold medal against the United States. Additionally, the arena's unique seating arrangement, with most spectators on one side of the ice, has been praised as ideal for figure skating presentations, leading to its selection for multiple World Figure Skating Championships and Canadian national titles. These events collectively cement the arena's status as a critical stage for both emerging and established sporting narratives.

Political Significance and Naming Evolution

The venue has served as more than just a sports complex; it is a historic site for Canadian political leadership. Major party conferences held within its walls resulted in the election of four different Prime Ministers: Pierre Trudeau, John Turner, Brian Mulroney, and Kim Campbell. This unique intersection of politics and athletics adds a layer of national importance to the facility's history. Over the decades, the arena has also undergone significant branding changes reflecting local business interests. Originally named the Civic Centre, it temporarily adopted names like Urbandale Centre, Rona Centre, and J. Benson Cartage Centre through one-year naming rights contests initiated by owner Jeff Hunt in 2009. Following extensive renovations that addressed long-standing structural issues, the facility reopened in late 2014 as TD Place Arena under a sponsorship deal with the Toronto-Dominion Bank, marking its modern identity while retaining its deep historical roots.