Saturday night hockey returns to Canadian Tire Centre as the Ottawa Senators welcome the St. Louis Blues on December 6, 2025—a prime matchup offering fans quality NHL action heading into the holiday season.
With the Senators building momentum in the 2025-26 season and the Blues bringing their physical Western Conference style to town, this inter-conference clash promises an entertaining evening for hockey fans.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa Senators vs. St. Louis Blues on Saturday, December 6 at 7:00 PM at Canadian Tire Centre. Great weekend date night or family outing with quality NHL hockey action.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Saturday, December 6, 2025 |
| ⏰ Puck Drop | 7:00 PM ET |
| 📍 Venue | Canadian Tire Centre, Kanata |
| 🎟️ Tickets | Senators.NHL.com / Ticketmaster |
| 📺 TV | Regional broadcast (check listings) |
Game Preview
The Matchup
Ottawa Senators continue their push in the competitive Atlantic Division. Playing at home on a Saturday night brings extra energy to Canadian Tire Centre.
St. Louis Blues bring a physical, hardworking Western Conference style. Inter-conference games always add intrigue as teams face opponents they see less frequently.
What to Watch:
- Senators’ home ice advantage – Saturday crowds bring energy
- Blues’ road game approach – How they handle the trip East
- Special teams battle – Power plays and penalty kills often decide games
- Star player matchups – Elite talent on both rosters
Image: Illustrative image only.
Saturday Night Hockey Experience
Why Saturday Games Are Special
Saturday nights at CTC offer a different atmosphere:
- Larger crowds – More fans mean more energy
- Weekend feel – No early Monday concern
- Family-friendly timing – 7 PM start works for kids
- Pre/post-game options – Restaurants and activities available
Making a Night of It
Before the Game:
- Sens House – Team restaurant at the arena
- Kanata restaurants – Various options near CTC
- Tailgating – Popular in the parking lots (check arena rules)
After the Game:
- Downtown Ottawa is 25-30 minutes away for post-game entertainment
- Or stay local at Kanata establishments
Canadian Tire Centre Guide
Getting There
By Car:
- Highway 417 West to Palladium Drive
- Allow 45-60 minutes from downtown Ottawa on game nights
- Arrive 60-90 minutes before puck drop for parking
Parking Options:
| Zone | Proximity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Closest | Premium |
| Orange | Short walk | Standard |
| Yellow | Longer walk | Budget |
By Bus:
- OC Transpo Route 403 operates on game nights
- Plan 45+ minutes from downtown
- Check schedules for return trips
Inside the Arena
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Doors Open | ~5:30 PM (1.5 hours pre-game) |
| Concessions | Multiple options, all levels |
| Team Store | Senators merchandise |
| Fan Services | Guest services throughout |
Image: Illustrative image only.
Ticket Information
Where to Buy
- Official: nhl.com/senators
- Ticketmaster – Primary market
- Box Office – Canadian Tire Centre (game day)
Pricing Expectations
Saturday games against quality opponents typically command:
- Premium pricing in lower bowl
- Moderate pricing in upper sections
- Value options in upper corners
Tips:
- Book in advance – Saturday games sell better
- Compare sections – Upper bowl offers good value
- Check resale – Official resale may have options
- Avoid unofficial sellers – Stick to verified sources
Perfect Saturday Hockey Date
For Couples
A Senators Saturday night makes an excellent date:
- Early dinner at Sens House or nearby
- Enjoy the game with shared snacks
- Post-game dessert or drinks
- Drive back enjoying Ottawa’s December lights
For Families
Saturday 7 PM works well for families:
- Early arrival to explore the arena
- Watch warm-ups from the seats
- Enjoy concessions (plan for intermission lines)
- Kids often last through full game at this start time
With Friends
Group hockey outings are ideal:
- Split parking costs
- Pre-game at Sens House for atmosphere
- Enjoy the game together
- Post-game downtown if energy permits
December Home Schedule Context
| Date | Opponent | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Dec 4 | NY Rangers | Thursday | 7:00 PM |
| Sat, Dec 6 | St. Louis Blues | Saturday | 7:00 PM |
| Thu, Dec 18 | New Jersey Devils | Thursday | 7:00 PM |
| Sat, Dec 20 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Saturday | 3:00 PM |
| Tue, Dec 23 | Chicago Blackhawks | Tuesday | 7:00 PM |
| Mon, Dec 29 | Buffalo Sabres | Monday | 7:00 PM |
Combine with December 6 Events
Earlier Saturday (Before the Game)
If you’re coming from downtown Ottawa, consider:
- Christmas with the Mayor at City Hall (3-6 PM)
- Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne
- Breakfast with Santa at Lansdowne (morning)
Sample Schedule:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 3-5 PM | Christmas with the Mayor (City Hall) |
| 5:15 PM | Drive to CTC |
| 6:00 PM | Arrive at arena |
| 7:00 PM | Puck drop! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How early should I arrive at CTC? A: For Saturday games, arrive 60-90 minutes before puck drop to allow for parking and entering.
Q: Is there family-friendly seating? A: Yes, CTC is family-friendly throughout. Upper bowl sections offer good value for families.
Q: Can I bring kids to a 7 PM game? A: Absolutely. Games end around 9:30-10 PM. The timing works for most families.
Q: How long is the drive back to Ottawa after the game? A: Allow 30-45 minutes depending on traffic flow after the game.
Q: What’s the best way to beat traffic after the game? A: Leave immediately when the game ends, or wait 20-30 minutes for traffic to clear.
Final Thoughts
Saturday night hockey at Canadian Tire Centre represents one of Ottawa’s quintessential winter experiences. The atmosphere, the competition, the community of fans bundled up and cheering together—it’s special.
The Blues bring a solid opponent for this December matchup, and the Saturday timing makes it accessible for families, couples, and groups of friends alike.
Yes, it’s a drive to Kanata. Yes, parking requires planning. But when the national anthem plays and 18,000 fans rise as one, you’ll remember why live NHL hockey is worth the effort.
Go Sens Go!
Source: Ottawa Senators – Summarized and adapted for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa sports events, visit Ottawa Events or explore other things to do in the capital!
