Couple to Marry at Windsor Spitfires Hockey Game on January 8

A couple from Chatham, Ontario, is set to make sports history by getting married on the ice during an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) game. Sheldon Cadotte, 30, and Daylene Trudell, 27, will exchange vows at the WFCU Centre on January 8, 2025, as the Windsor Spitfires take on the Erie Otters. This unique ceremony is scheduled for the second intermission of the game, allowing approximately 6,000 fans to witness their special moment.

Cadotte expressed his enthusiasm for this unconventional wedding venue, stating, “There’s millions of people around the world that love hockey… Someone had to eventually put their feet on the ice and do a wedding.” This sentiment highlights the couple’s deep-rooted connection to the sport, particularly for Trudell, who grew up attending hockey games.

The officiant for the ceremony will be Joe McParland, a local wedding officiant, who will oversee the proceedings, accompanied by friends, family, and the Spitfires mascots: Bomber, Ace, and Spike. Trudell emphasized that the arena feels like a natural setting for a wedding, noting her lifelong affinity for hockey. She shared, “I grew up going to hockey games my whole life. It was always something that was normal for me to be in an arena.”

Spitfires Organization Supports Unique Event

The couple’s wedding has been in planning since Cadotte proposed on the ice at the WFCU Centre during a Spitfires game in April 2025. While marriage proposals at hockey games are not uncommon, this event marks the first time the team has hosted a complete wedding on the ice.

According to Remo Agostino, the Spitfires’ brand manager, the team is covering the costs of the ceremony, aiming to create a memorable experience for the couple. “They’re getting the full Spitfire love from us… This is a big moment for them, a lifetime moment,” Agostino stated. He added that the couple will enjoy a suite for their family and friends, emphasizing the significance of the day for both the couple and the organization.

Cadotte and Trudell have been together for eight years, having recently shifted their loyalty to the Spitfires. Previously, Trudell supported the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, while Cadotte was a fan of the Niagara IceDogs. They now consider the Spitfires their home team, drawn in by the players’ dedication and talent, particularly young stars like Liam Greentree.

A Memorable Date for the Couple

The wedding date, January 8, coincides with Elvis Presley’s birthday, a fact that the WFCU Centre will celebrate with themed music and decorations during the game. Cadotte described the event as “a night of rock n’ roll and romance,” while Trudell added, “It’s a unique experience.”

The couple’s on-ice wedding reflects not just their love for each other but also their passion for hockey, making it a memorable occasion for fans and participants alike. As they prepare for their big day, Cadotte and Trudell are looking forward to merging their two passions: love and hockey.