October is a fantastic time for sports fans. The NHL, junior hockey and the NBA are just underway. The NFL is in full swing, while the CFL regular season is winding down. The MLB playoffs are on. We’ve got soccer playoffs, college football, north and south of the border, and so much more.
But we’re here to get you set for what should be a fantastic weekend for Ottawa sports fans.
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After home wins this week over Boston and Washington, the Senators go for their third straight victory, hosting Arizona Saturday afternoon (Oct 22) at 4pm (TSN5). The team is celebrating Oktoberfest with a pre-game “Biergarten” opening at 1pm, a German-inspired menu and an official keg tapping. Hopefully, Tim Stutzle’s dad, visiting from Germany, was able to stick around for this. He seemed fun. The Sens then host Dallas on Monday (TSN5).
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Remarkably, with two games left in the CFL regular season, the 4-12 REDBLACKS are still alive. They’re in Hamilton Friday night (Oct 21) to start a home and home series with the Tiger Cats. It’s a long shot, but if Ottawa beats Hamilton in these last two games, and Saskatchewan loses to Calgary in both of their last two games, the REDBLACKS are in. It’s a 7pm start (TSN) in Steeltown Friday night.
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In CIS Football, it’s the final week of the OUA regular season – a battle of division titans – as the Ottawa U Gee Gees (6-1) play host to unbeaten Western (7-0). The Gee Gees won a nailbiter over York last week, 66-0. Kickoff at TD Place is set for noon Saturday (OUA.tv). Carleton (4-3) closes at Guelph.
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The Gee-Gees host the Ravens in women’s hockey action. Face off is Friday at 7pm at the Minto Sports Complex.
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Pro soccer is very much back on the Ottawa sports radar, thanks to Atletico Ottawa. The club is currently in the semifinals of the Canadian Premier League against defending champion Pacific FC. Last Saturday in BC, Ottawa won the first leg 2-0. The second leg of the total goals, Canadian Premier League semifinal is Sunday at 2pm at TD Place (One Soccer). Since they were regular season champions, Ottawa can lose by as much as two and still advance to host the championship game on October 30th.
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The Ottawa 67s are off to a franchise record 7 and 0 start. They’re in Northern Ontario this weekend, facing Sault Ste. Marie tonight at 7:07pm and Sudbury on Sunday afternoon at 2:05pm. At 6-2-2, the Gatineau Olympiques are the third best team overall in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and they’re home this weekend at the new Slush Puppie Centre. They host Victoriaville Friday night at 7pm, then host Blaineville-Boisbriand Saturday at 4pm.
And there’s plenty more on top of that, locally and on TV. Grab your popcorn, Ottawa, and settle in for a great sports weekend.
By Steve Warne