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"After a long, brutal period of time without the being able to share the emotions that come with live sports, getting these marquee events back on the calendar gives us all a sense of optimism and excitement, " says Mark Goudie, CEO of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. 

"Not only has Fabienne proved to be an amazing basketball coach, leading women’s national and provincial teams to gold medals, but she also understands the impact we want to have in the community," says BlackJacks General Manager Jevohn Shepherd.

Ottawa has lost three straight and 12 of its last 13 — including 11 in regulation. Its lone wins came in the season opener Jan. 15 against Toronto and Feb. 4 against Montreal.

The teams meet again Tuesday at the Canadian Tire Centre.

"It's been a lot easier with the rules and the restrictions we have here in Canada to stay healthy," Calgary Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom said.

The CEBL is preparing for its third season in 2021, following last year's Summer Series in St. Catharines.

A rematch between the two sides will take place in Ottawa on Saturday.

Ottawa Senators head coach D.J. Smith called his team "fragile" after the loss and lamented the fact they took questionable penalties, resulting in four power-play goals allowed.

Nichols and Arbuckle signed with Toronto and Ottawa, respectively, early last year before the 2020 CFL season was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 22-year-old was selected by Anaheim in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL draft.