sports & recreation

_ (Via National Capital Commission) _ To welcome thousands of young hockey players to CIBC’s Shinny Hockey Day, the National Capital Commission will temporarily close all 7.8 kilometres of the Rideau Canal Skateway, from downtown to Hartwells Locks, on Saturday, February 18, from 7 am to 9:15 am. ...

_ (Via Ottawa Senators) _ ** OTTAWA ** [ Ottawa Senators ](http://senators.nhl.com/index.html) ( [ @Senators ](http://www.twitter.com/senators) ) owner Eugene Melnyk ( [ @MelnykEugene ](http://www.twitter.com/melnykeugene) ) today announced the appointment of Tom Anselmi as the team’s President and Chief Executive Officer. ...

Redblacks quarterback Henry Burris announced his retirement from the CFL Tuesday, after a 17-season career. Burris, 41, was signed with the team three years ago and quickly became one of the most popular players, as well as a local legend, affectionately known as “Smilin' Hank. ...

_ (Via City of Ottawa) _ Residents can join in the excitement as Ottawa bids to host the Canada Summer Games in 2021 by registering their support at Ottawa2021.ca . As part of the bid process, the City wants to showcase the strong community support and enthusiasm for hosting the event. ...

[caption id=“attachment_53886” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] The Sir John A. Macdonald pathway during a pilot project that saw a trail groomed for two weeks. (Via Dovercourt Recreation Association)[/caption] Although it has been groomed for several weeks now, the 16-kilometre Sir John A. Macdonald winter trail officially opened for the year Monday. ...

_ (Via Ottawa Fury FC) _ ** OTTAWA ** - The United Soccer League announced Monday its structure for the 2017 season, which will feature 30 teams playing an expanded 32-game schedule as the league continues in a two-conference alignment that began in 2015. ...

_ (Via Government of Ontario) _ As the New Year begins, Ontario is reminding consumers about their rights when they join a gym or fitness club. January is the perfect time to put healthy lifestyle goals into action. It’s also a time when gyms and fitness clubs offer tempting financial incentives like free passes and time-sensitive promotions for classes and memberships. ...

_ (Via Bell Capital Cup) _ ** OTTAWA ** – The 18th annual Bell Capital Cup , often recognized as the world’s premier atom and peewee hockey tournament, came to a successful conclusion earlier tonight when the final championship game was played at Canadian Tire Centre . ...

_ (press release) _ ** Canada’s Capital Region – ** The public is asked to remain off the Rideau Canal surface, as the ice is still dangerously thin. Although it may appear that a layer of ice has formed on the canal’s surface, the ice is still thin. ...

_ (press release) _ ** OTTAWA-GATINEAU ** - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced Wednesday that defensive back Antoine Pruneau, a key piece of the club’s run to a Grey Cup championship, has signed a two-year contract extension. The new deal will keep the 27-year-old Montreal native in red and black through the 2018 season. ...