Maple Leafs at Senators game postponed

The game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday was postponed by the NHL after a series of shootings in and around Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa.

The shootings resulted in the death of a Canadian soldier who was stationed at the National War Memorial and a gunman at Parliament Hill's Centre Block, according to Ottawa police officials.

"The National Hockey League wishes to express its sympathy to all affected by the tragic events that took place this morning in downtown Ottawa," the League said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

The game, scheduled at Canadian Tire Center in nearby Kanata, Ontario, will be played at a later date. Until a date is determined, the Senators ask ticket holders to hold on to their tickets. Also, any ticket holders who need to redeem tickets will be given the option to do so. These details will be provided as part of the announcement of the rescheduled game, according to the Senators.

"We are shocked and deeply saddened by today's tragic events on Parliament Hill and in downtown Ottawa," Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said in a statement. "Our collective thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims as well as with all Members of Parliament and staff who have had to manage through today's difficult circumstances. Hockey is certainly secondary to these type of tragic events and we know our fans stand alongside us with the League's decision to postpone tonight's game."

The Toronto Maple Leafs also issued a statement about the postponement of the game and the events Wednesday.

"The Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of all affected by the tragic events in downtown Ottawa today. The Club supports the National Hockey League's decision to postpone tonight's scheduled meeting with the Ottawa Senators.

"We have been witness today to some terrible events but are thankful to those brave men and women for their tireless service in protecting everyone's safety."