Old-Time Hockey On Rideau Canal

Usually, hockey games are banned on what is billed as the world's longest skating rink.

But on Saturday, 1,500 minor hockey players gathered along Ottawa's 7.8-kilometre Rideau Canal for 110 simultaneous games of shinny. The event was sponsored by the NHL's Ottawa Senators; the team's coach, Jacques Martin, dropped the ceremonial face-off early. And in Canada's finest tradition, the 45-minute games used pairs of boots as goalposts.

Conditions were less than ideal, however. Snow covered the ice surface overnight Friday night, and on Saturday temperatures hovered above zero for the first time in weeks. A light drizzle fell and the ice itself was soft and pretty rough.

Nevertheless, the hockey games and Winterlude events made for a crowded downtown on Saturday.

Note: CREDIT: (CP /Simon Hayter)