In a heartwarming display of love for both each other and the game, a couple from Chatham, Ontario, exchanged vows in a ceremony few will forget. Sheldon Cadotte and Daylene Trudell became husband and wife at centre ice during a Windsor Spitfires Ontario Hockey League game on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
A Rink-Side Romance Seals the Deal
The unique matrimonial event took place at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, transforming the hockey arena into a temporary chapel. With the Spitfires as their backdrop and fans in the stands as their witnesses, the couple proceeded with their ceremony. The moment culminated with their first kiss as a married couple, a moment captured by CTV News Windsor photographer Travis Fortnum, creating a lasting memory that blended personal milestone with community spectacle.
Blending Passions for a Perfect Day
While the original report did not detail the couple's specific connection to the Spitfires or hockey, choosing such a venue suggests a deep-seated passion for the sport. A centre-ice wedding during a live game is an exceptionally rare occurrence, requiring coordination with the team, the league, and the venue. The event provided a memorable intermission for fans attending the game, offering a positive and unifying moment amidst the competitive action.
The wedding underscores the role of local sports teams as community hubs, where significant life events can be celebrated in a shared, public space. For Cadotte and Trudell, their wedding day will forever be linked not just to their personal commitment, but also to the final score and the energy of the crowd on that January night in Windsor.
